Krim shield award certificate

WWII German Award Certificate – Krim Shield (Krimschild) – Facsimile von Manstein Signature
Rare Eastern Front Militaria Document – Dated December 10, 1942
For sale is an original Besitzzeugnis (certificate of ownership) for the Krim Shield (Krimschild), awarded to Gefreiter Ernst Lödinge, who served in 10. Kompanie, Infanterie-Regiment 65. The document was issued on December 10, 1942, and bears the facsimile signature of Generalfeldmarschall Erich von Manstein, who commanded Heeresgruppe Süd (Army Group South) during the Crimean Campaign. The document also features the official Wehrmacht stamp with the eagle and swastika.
Historical Background – The Crimean Campaign (1941-1942)
The Krim Shield was one of the most prestigious Wehrmacht campaign awards, instituted on July 25, 1942, by Adolf Hitler to honor German and Axis soldiers who participated in the battle for the Crimean Peninsula between September 21, 1941, and July 4, 1942.
Infanterie-Regiment 65 was part of 22. Infanterie-Division, a highly experienced German formation that took part in some of the toughest fighting in the Crimea, including the siege and capture of Sevastopol. The battle ended in a decisive German victory but at a high cost in men and material. The Krim Shield was awarded to those who served in this campaign for at least 60 days, were wounded in action, or participated in at least one major engagement.
Document Details & Condition:
Recipient: Gefreiter Ernst Lödinge
Unit: 10./Infanterie-Regiment 65
Date of Issue: December 10, 1942
Issued at: A.H. Qu. (Army Headquarters)
Signature: Facsimile of Generalfeldmarschall Erich von Manstein
Official Wehrmacht Eagle Stamp Present
Condition: Original wartime document with visible aging, staining, creasing, and slight discoloration, consistent with handling and storage over eight decades. No major tears or missing parts.
Collector’s Value & Authenticity:
This document is 100% original from WWII and a significant piece of militaria from the Eastern Front, particularly for collectors interested in:
✔ Third Reich Documents & Awards
✔ Wehrmacht & Heer (Army) History
✔ Operation Barbarossa & Eastern Front Campaigns
✔ General Erich von Manstein & German High Command