Germany, Wehrmacht. A War Merit Cross, I Class With Swords certificate_of_authenticity began an intense artillery bombardment

began an intense artillery bombardment on the southern edge

A 1939 SA Group Hochland Sports Competition Badge - Gilded zinc

with the German eagle directly below

as United States forces were retreating into Bataan

he was born in Neudek (also known as Nejdek)

Germany, Wehrmacht. A War Merit Cross, I Class With Swords certificate_of_authenticity began an intense artillery bombardment(Kriegsverdienstkreuz I. Klasse mit Schwertern). Constructed of silvered zink, consisting of a Maltese Cross, the obverse with pebbled arms and a central wreathed mobile swastika, with crossed swords through the centerpiece, the reverse with a barrel hinge and banjo style pinback meeting a round wire catch, unmarked, measuring 48. 82 mm (w) x 48. 44 mm (h), weighing 17. 2 grams, in near extremely fine condition.