WWII German Provisional Certificate for the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross-Awarded to Obergefreiten Erich Luckmann on 21.12.1942 while serving as Obergefreiter (Corporal) Geschützführer 2./Flak-Regiment 241. Certificate measures approximately 148mm x 207mm, has a single fold, signed by Oberst Stigell 16.08.1943.
A newspaper article (dated 22.09.1942) describes why Obergefreiter Luckmann received the Knight’s Cross… “Obergefreiter Luckmann particularly distinguished himself during the fighting for the blocking position north of Stalingrad on the 18.09.1942. As the commander of an 8.8 cm Flak gun, he coolly allowed the oncoming enemy steel colossi advancing towards his position to get within close range in order to ensure that his shots were hits. 9 heavy tanks fell victim to his AT rounds on this day, of which 3 were destroyed at ranges of 10 - 50 metres. The brave Obergefreiter had previously shown his outstanding qualities during the fighting around Kharkov. Back then, in the role of gunner, he destroyed 8 enemy tanks.”
On the occasion of his being awarded the Knight’s Cross it was noted that his total of destroyed enemy tanks had been raised to 19. His other awards were Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse as Gefreiter (Aircraftman class 2) Awarded on: August 21st, 1942l, Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse as Gefreiter (Aircraftman class 2) Awarded on: July 20th, 1941, Erdkampfabzeichen der Luftwaffe as Obergefreiter (Aircraftman class 1) Awarded on: November 20th, 1943, posthumously.
Date of birth: March 28th, 1915 (Dortmund-Brackel, Germany), Date of death: January 18th, 1943 (Stalingrad, USSR) Promotions: 20.12.1938: Gefreiter, 26.12.1942: Obergefreiter. Career: 03.11.1937: entered 1./ Flak.Rgt.4 – Dortmund, 14.02.1939: Wach-Bataillon der Luftwaffe - Rgt. 2 'General Göring' - Berlin-Reinickendorf, 10.08.1942: 2./ Flak.Rgt. 241 (mot), 26.12.1942: MIA Stalingrad, 31.08.1943: his father Adolf Luckmann received his son's RK from Oberstleutnant Sonleitner.
Near excellent condition!