Germany, Luftwaffe. An Award Certificate for a German Cross in Gold to Oberfeldwebel Fritz Heyland, Signed by Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring

(Verleihungsurkunde für Deutsches Kreuz in Gold). An award certificate for a German Cross in Gold, constructed of cream-coloured paper stock, topped by a detailed gilt depiction of the award, named to Oberfeldwebel Fritz Heyland and dated 23 July 1942, featuring a handwritten signature of Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring, flanked by a raised stamped image of Göring’s Wehrmacht-style Reichsmarschall insignia, measuring 255 mm (w) x 355 mm (h), minor age-appropriate discolouration is evident with a small tear to the bottom left of the paper, in overall near extremely fine condition.

Footnote: Oberfeldwebel Fritz Heyland was attached to 2. Staffel, I. Gruppe, Kampfgeschwader 100, a medium and heavy bomber detachment of the Luftwaffe which saw action on the Eastern and Mediterranean fronts before being transferred to Western Europe as part of the defence of the Reich from 1944 through 1945. It is noted for being the first unit to successfully deploy the Fritz X, a precision guided missile, when it used them to sink the Italian battleship Roma on 9 September 1943.