A Private Studio Picture Postcard of Knight's Cross Recipient: Josef Kociok

A picture postcard of Josef Kociok, measuring 99x135mm, near mint condition. The reverse reads: Kociok, killed in action. This was written by an unidentified man, maybe a comrade of Kociok’s, Konrad Pissarsky from Trebnitz, eastern Germany.

Footnote: Josef Kociok (1918–1943) was a pilot in the Luftwaffe on the Eastern Front and a recipient of the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross, which he was awarded while serving with the 10.(NJ)/ZG 1, the 10th Squadron (Night Fighter) of Destroyer Wing 1. Kociok flew 200 combat missions and achieved 33 confirmed aerial victories, 21 of which during night flights. He was killed in action when his plane collided with a crashing enemy plane. He managed to get out of the aircraft, but his parachute didn’t open. Kociok was posthumously promoted to Lieutenant. Kociok also received the Honour Goblet of the Luftwaffe, and the German Cross in Gold.