Germany, Heer. A Signed Thank You Note by KC Winner Hauptmann Walter Kopp, 1942

The thank you note was written by Hauptmann (captain) Walter Kopp of the Gebirgsjäger (mountain troop) Regiment 99. It is dated to “the Caucasus” on December 15, 1942 and addressed to a Mr. Reiger. Kopp thanks him for congratulations sent on occasion of Kopp winning the Knight’s Cross. He signed the note in pencil and attached a photo, presumably of him and some of his men in winter garments.

Measuring 201 mm (w) x 295 mm (h), presenting multiple folding creases and three minor tears, remains near very fine.

Footnote: Walter Kopp (1913-1974) won the Knight’s Cross on November 6, 1942, commanding the 1st Battalion of Gebirgsjäger Regiment 99. It was awarded for Kopp successfully establishing a bridgehead across the Terek river against heavy enemy resistance and despite him being wounded in the process. Kopp ended the war in the rank of Oberstleutnant (lieutenant colonel).

After the war, Kopp offered his services to the CIA, who instituted a stay-behind program with Kopp as a cell leader, code-named KIBITZ-15. This secret group was supposed to fight the Soviets in case of a Russian invasion and occupation of West Germany. The CIA terminated the project in 1953.