Germany, Heer. An Iron Cross II Class Document, signed By KC W/Swords Winner Josef Harpe, 1941

The document is named to San.-Feldwebel (Medical Sergeant) Hackbarth (no first name given). It is dated to June 30, 1941 and signed in blue crayon by the Commander of the 12th Panzer Division, Generalmajor Josef Harpe (1887-1968), a recipient of the Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords. Measuring 139 mm (w) x 200 mm (h), with some scuffing, a folding crease, and extensive creasing throughout, remaining in fine condition.

Footnote: Josef Harpe was born on September 21, 1887 in Buer (western Germany). He joined the Army in 1909 and became a Lieutenant in 1911. Harpe fought on the Western Front during the First War, being promoted to Captain in April of 1918 and wounded during the Third Battle of the Aisne two months later. He was awarded both classes of the Iron Cross (1914). After the war, Harpe was taken over into the Reichswehr and between 1931 and 1933 served at a secret Panzer training school in Russia. In 1937, he was promoted to Colonel and became Commander of the 1st Panzer Brigade. He saw action during the Polish campaign, but afterwards went back to being an instructor at a Panzer training school. During the early stages of the attack on Russia, Harpe commanded the 12th Panzer Division. For his leadership role during the Battle of Białystok–Minsk he was awarded the Knight’s Cross in August of 1941. At the end of the year, the Oak Leaves would follow. In January of 1942, Harpe was promoted to Lieutenant General, taken control of the 41st Panzer Corps. In June, he was promoted to General der Panzertruppe, and in November of 1943, Harpe was awarded the Swords for successful leadership of his unit. Two weeks earlier, he had been appointed Commander-in-Chief of the 9th Army. Harpe received his final promotion to Colonel General in May of 1944. Shortly after, he was appointed Commander of Army Group A in northern Ukraine. At the end of the war, he fought in the Ruhr pocket where he surrendered to US forces. Harpe died on March 14, 1968.