Signed By Maximilian von Edelsheim (KC W/Swords), 1944 - The document is named to Gefreiter (Lance Corporal) Otto Stey of the 4th Company of Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung (Panzer Reconnaissance Battalion) 24. It is dated to April 20, 1944 and signed in black ink by the commander of the 24th Panzer Division, Generalleutnant Maximilian Reichsfreiherr von Edelsheim. Measuring 141x200mm, fine condition with light scuffing and fraying, some creasing, and multiple folding creases.
Footnote 1:
Panzer Reconnaissance Battalion 24 was established on April 7, 1943 in France when Panzer Reconnaissance Battalion 4 was renamed. In August, the unit was deployed to Italy in anticipation of the Allied invasion. However, in October, it was sent to southern Russia instead. It made its way back through the Ukraine, Romania, Poland, and Slovakia, and ended up entrapped in East Prussia for a last stand in the Courland pocket.
Footnote 2:
Maximilian Reichsfreiherr von Edelsheim was born on July 6, 1897 in Berlin. He fought in the First War on the Eastern Front as an Officer Cadet and was eventually promoted to Lieutenant. After the First War, Edelsheim was taken over into the Reichswehr. At the beginning of the Second War, he was in the rank of Oberstleutnant (Lieutenant Colonel), leading Bicycle Battalion 1 of the 1st Cavalry Brigade in the Polish and French campaign. After the attack on Russia, Edelsheim was awarded the Knight’s Cross on July 30, 1941 for the actions of his reconnaissance unit. Later, he led Panzer Grenadier Regiment 26 during the Battle of Stalingrad. He was awarded the Oak Leaves for his leadership role. Edelsheim was flown out before his unit was destroyed. The highest rank he reached was General der Panzertruppe in late 1944, leading the 48th Panzer Corps. He was awarded the Swords on October 23, 1944 for continually distinguishing himself in leading his unit. At the end of the war, Edelsheim became a POW of the Americans. He died on April 26, 1994.