Germany, Luftwaffe. A Document Group to Ace of 99 Victories, Leopold Steinbatz (KC with Swords)

The grouping consists of two congratulatory telegrams (one with envelope) and a large studio portrait in cardboard frame. The first telegram was sent by Viktor Lutze, the head of the SA, congratulating Steinbatz for winning the Knight’s Cross, and promoting him to SA-Sturmführer. Measuring 207 mm (w) x 147 mm (h), presenting three folding creases, and substantial fraying and tearing, especially of the upper right corner, remains fair. The second telegram was sent by Baldur von Schirach, Reich Governor of Austria, congratulating Steinbatz for receiving the Oak Leaves. Measuring 209 mm (w) x 147 mm (h), presenting a folding crease, light scuffing, and light age-related discolouration, remains very fine. The picture in cardboard frame shows Steinbatz wearing the uniform of an Oberfeldwebel (master sergeant). Measuring 293 mm (w) x 392 mm (h), presenting light scuffing, remains extremely fine. Footnote: Leopold Steinbatz was born on October 25, 1918 in Vienna. He joined the Austrian air force in 1937. After the “Anschluss”, Steinbatz was taken over into the Luftwaffe and trained to become a fighter pilot. With training ongoing, he did not participate in the Polish or French campaign. In October of 1940, Steinbatz was deployed to Romania as part of the famous Jagdgeschwader (fighter wing) 52. He flew his first combat missions during the Battle of Crete. After the attack on Russia, Steinbatz was stationed at the Eastern Front and flew missions as wingman of fighter ace Hermann Graf. He achieved his first aerial victory on August 4, 1941. By early 1942, his tally had grown to 42 victories, for which he was awarded the Knight’s Cross on February 14, 1942. Six days later, he was promoted to Oberfeldwebel (master sergeant). On June 2, 1942 Steinbatz received the Oak Leaves for his 91st victory. He had twice achieved the ace-in-a-day feat of shooting down at least five enemy planes in a single day. On June 15, Steinbatz was shot down by enemy artillery. Although his body was never found, he was presumed dead. At the time, Steinbatz had 98 confirmed and one unconfirmed victories. He was posthumously awarded the (14th) Swords to the Knight’s Cross, the only non-officer ranked soldier to do so, and promoted to lieutenant.