Germany, Wehrmacht. A Group Of Awards & Documents, Uffz. 2./ Pz.gren.rgt.113

(Wehrmacht Abzeichen und Papier). An extensive and very well-preserved group of medals and documents belonging to Heer (Army) Obergefreiter Karl Hogen. The group includes:

A Wehrpaß, featuring 52 pages of personal and regimental information, as well as a black-and-white photograph of the bearer. Includes documentation of injuries sustained during combat. Measuring 105 mm (w) x 147 mm (h). Accompanied by its period original pocket of issue, constructed of brown leather and measuring 165 mm (w) x 110 mm (h), closing with two magnetic metal snap buttons. Minor soiling and material fatigue, but otherwise in better than very fine condition.

A 1939 Iron Cross Second Class, consisting of a Cross Pattée of multi-piece construction, with a blackened magnetic iron core within a ribbed silver border. The obverse with a raised central mobile swastika with the re-institution date “1939” in raised numbering on the lower arm. The reverse with the initial institution date of “1813” on the lower arm. On loop for suspension from its period correct replacement ribbon. Loop maker marked with LDO code “100” for Rudolf Wachtler und Lange, Mittweida. Accompanied by its original pocket of issue, measuring 103 mm (w) x 142 mm (h), and certificate, dated 17 January 1944 and measuring 140 mm (w) x 200 (h). In near extremely fine condition.

A Black Grade Wound Badge, constructed of blackened bronze, the obverse with a central Stahlhelm (Steel Helmet) overlaid with a mobile swastika on top of crossed swords on a pebbled field, within an oval laurel leaf wreath. The reverse with a barrel hinge and vertical pinback meeting a round wire catch, with a maker’s mark of “L/11” for Wilhelm Deumer, Lüdenscheid. Measuring 36.76 mm (w) x 44.65 mm (h) and weighing 12.8 grams. Accompanied by its certificate of issue, dated 1 May 1942 and measuring 140 mm (w) x 200 mm (h). In better than very fine condition.

A Silver Grade Wound Badge, constructed of blackened bronze, the obverse with a central Stahlhelm (Steel Helmet) overlaid with a mobile swastika on top of crossed swords on a pebbled field, within an oval laurel leaf wreath. The reverse with a barrel hinge and vertical pinback meeting a round wire catch. Measuring 36.61 mm (w) x 44.14 mm (h) and weighing 24.5 grams. Accompanied by its pocket of issue, measuring 59 mm (w) x 104 mm (h), with a maker’s mark of “Steinhauer & Lück, Lüdenscheid”. Also accompanied by its certificate of issue, dated 28 May 1944 and measuring 140 mm (w) x 200 mm (h). In near extremely fine condition.

A Bronze Grade Panzer Assault Badge, constructed of bronzed zink. The obverse with a border of oak leaves with a tie at the base and a Panzerkampfwagen IV superimposed in the centre on grassy ground, with its left tank track extending over the edge of the badge. The reverse plain with a barrel hinge and vertical needle style pin, with a missing catch. Measuring 41.26 mm (w) x 60.56 mm (h) and weighing 35.0 grams. Accompanied by original certificates of issue, each measuring 140 mm (w) x 200 mm (h) and dated 5 October 1941. In better than very fine condition.

A Bronze Grade Driver Proficiency Badge, constructed of gilded bronze with a field-grey wool backer. The obverse with a central steering wheel inside a laurel leaf wreath. With two reverse attachment prongs and a beige paper liner. Measuring 60 mm in diameter. Accompanied by its original certificate of issue, dated 30 May 1944 and measuring 146 mm (w) x 210 mm (h). In near extremely fine condition.

A Silver Grade Driver Proficiency Badge, constructed of silvered zink with a field-grey wool backer. The obverse with a central steering wheel inside a laurel leaf wreath. With two reverse attachment prongs. Measuring 60 mm in diameter. Accompanied by its original certificate of issue, dated 11 February 1945 and measuring 146 mm (w) x 210 mm (h). In near extremely fine condition.

An Eastern Front Medal, constructed of blackened and silvered zink, on loop for suspension from its period correct replacement ribbon. The obverse with a central Wehrmacht-style German national eagle clutching a swastika. Topped by a Stahlhelm (Steel Helmet) and stick grenade.The reverse with a raised inscription of “WINTERSCHLACHT IM OSTEN 1941/42” on top of a sword crossed with a laurel leaf branch. Measuring 36.45 mm (w) x 45.17 and weighing 20.8 grams. Accompanied by its original pocket of issue, measuring 58 mm (w) x 103 mm (h), with a maker’s mark of “Metall u. Kunsthoff, Gablonz”. In extremely fine condition.

A Wehrmacht driver’s license, issued 19 February 1941. Measuring 105 mm (w) x 145 mm (h). Significant material fatigue; in near very fine condition.

A Wehrmacht identification tag, constructed of feinzink. Inscribed “1016, 4. SChtZ. ERS. BtL. 1”. With three loops for suspension. Measuring 70 mm (w) x 50 mm (h). In extremely fine condition.

A letter, dated 16 May 1944, confirming that Hogen had qualified as a driver for Panzer Grenadier Regiment 113, 2nd Company. Measuring 226 mm (w) x 147 mm (h). In near extremely fine condition.

A letter, dated 14 December 1944, in which Hogen gives a deposition regarding dereliction of duty concerning the refueling and towing of vehicles. Measuring 210 mm (w) x 300 mm (h). Some material fatigue and soiling, otherwise in very fine condition.

A German Red Cross (DRK) tracing service document for Karl Hogen, filed 8 May 1945 in Illertissen, Bavaria. The document states that it is believed Hogen is being held by American forces in a prisoner of war camp in Austria. It is attached to book containing names and photographs of missing German armed forces personnel. Measuring 200 mm (w) x 295 mm (h). In near extremely fine condition.

A United States Army certificate of discharge for Karl Hogen, dated 20 May 1945. The medical portion states that Hogen has fallen arches and a scar on the upper part of his right knee. The form is signed off by Medical Officer Captain Alex Gordon and 80th Infantry Division Captain Billie C. Kessler. Measuring 200 mm (w) x 330 mm (h). Minor soiling and fatigue, otherwise in near extremely fine condition.

Footnote: Karl Hogen was born on 2 July 1921 in Muttersdorf, Sudetenland (now Mutěnín, Czech Republic) to Roman Catholic parents Josef and Anna Hogen. Hogen worked as a baker in Muttersdorf before enlisting in the Wehrmacht on 21 June 1939. He served with Heer (Army) Panzer Grenadier Regiment 113 for the duration of the war, and was taken prisoner by the US Army 80th Infantry Division, before being discharged on 20 May 1945. Hogen died on 26 December 2011 in Memmingen, Germany.