| Places | |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL/18105.002 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Award |
| Physical description | Silver-plated metal & black paint |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | Germany |
| Date made | c 1939-1945 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
Iron Cross 1st Class : Leutnant W G Herrmann, Jagdgeschwader 53, Luftwaffe
Description
Third Reich Order of the Iron Cross, 1st Class. It has a swastika in the centre and '1939' on the lower arm. There are no markings on the reverse, which has a brooch fitting.
History / Summary
Worn by Leutnant Werner G Herrmann, who served with Jagdgeschwader 53 (JG-53), Luftwaffe. Herrmann was a qualified glider pilot before he was conscripted into the Luftwaffe early in World War Two. After further training on powered aircraft he was posted to JG-53, which was equipped with Me109 fighter aircraft. In 1943 he was flying missions against American bombers and fighters in Italy with the 7th Staffel of III/JG-53. Commissioned as a leutnant (lieutenant) in 10 Staffel of III/JG-53 (Me109G-14) in 1944, he was operating from improvised airfields such as Paderborn and Kirrlach, flying missions in defence of the Reich. At the end of the war he was taken prisoner of war by the Americans. He was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and the Day Fighter Clasp in Silver during his career in the Luftwaffe.