Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Papers re. Hauptman Josef Rettemeier, Panzer Abteilung 5 - a holder of the Iron Cross Knight’s Cross with oakleaves: Hunting Licence bearing a photograph of the recipient wearing his Knight’s Cross with oakleaves; a telegram from General Heinrici, 4th Army, on the award of the Knight’s Cross, dated 7 December 1943; a typed letter re the award of the Knight’s Cross signed by General Guderian, dated 3 January 1944; a telegram from General Heinrici, dated 28 February 1944; a telegram from Wolf’s Lair, Schmundt (Adjutant for the Army) on the award of the oakleaves, dated 13 March 1944; a telegram from General Major Benicke, Kmdr. 25 Pnzr Gr. Div. on the award of the oakleaves, dated 1 March 1944; a typed letter from General Major Benicke, 25 Panzer Grenadier Division on the award of the oakleaves, signed by Benicke; a hand written letter from the Generalkommando XXVI. A.K., dated 23 March 1944 re the award of the oakleaves, good condition (8) £100-150

Josef Rettemeier was born in Niederdollendore, on 17 September 1914. Awarded the Knight’s Cross, 5 December 1943, as Kommandeur Pz. Abt 5; awarded the oakleaves to the Knight’s Cross, 13 March 1944, as Kommandeur Pz. Abt. 5. Postwar, he served as a Colonel in the Bundewehr, 4 April 1956-30 September 1972. He died at Bad Naufheim on 19 December 1997.