Measuring 210x148mm, very fine condition with light scuffing, folding creases, and three punched holes. It is named to Obergefreiter (Corporal) Fritz Spothelfer and states that he received the Soldier Cross 4th Class of the Royal Bulgarian Order of Bravery on February 27, 1942. The document is dated to June 20, 1942 and signed in faded blue ink by the Commander of Fortress Division Kreta (Crete), Lieutenant General Josef Folttmann.
Footnote: Josef Folttmann was born on January 18, 1887 in Breslau. He joined the Prussian army in 1907. At the beginning of the First War he served as his regiment’s adjutant. In late 1914 he was promoted to Senior Lieutenant. In April of 1916 Foltmann received the rank of Captain and shortly afterwards took command of a company. During the course of the war he was appointed to several staffs, eventually the German General Staff. Folttmann was taken over into the Reichswehr. He taught at an infantry school before becoming Chief of Staff of the Inspection of Army Education in 1930. In 1935 he was promoted to Colonel. Afterwards Folttmann commanded Infantry Regiment 52, later Infantry Regiment 102. In April of 1939 he was promoted to Major General. At the beginning of the Second War Folttmann took command of Infantry Division 256, but in early 1940 switched to Infantry Division 164. He led the unit during the Balkan campaign and the Battle of Crete. On February 1, 1941 he received a promotion to Lieutenant General. In late 1942 Folttmann was appointed commander of Infantry Division 338, stationed in Antwerp. Afterwards he commanded Special Staff III of the Supreme Army Command. He received the German Cross in Silver on March 10, 1944. Folttmann died on April 11, 1958.