Document for the Iron Cross 2nd Class 1939, Staffelkapitän J.G. 52, Oberleutnant Wilhelm Keidel

In a very good, slightly used condition. With original signature.

Lieutenant Wilhelm Keidel began his military career in the Navy and later switched to the Air Force. He served in the Luftwaffe 2nd Training Squadron. With this squadron he fought as part of the Condor Legion in the Spanish Civil War. Here he was awarded, among other things, the Spanish cross in gold with swords. He also served in the same squadron as Adolf Galland (3rd squadron J/88). He later was squadron commander in Jagd Geschwader 52 (J.G. 52). The J.G. 52 is the most successful fighter squadron ever. Approximately 9,000 kills are credited to them. Well-known pilots such as Erich Hartmann, Gerhard Barkhorn and Günther Rall served here. Keidel died in a dogfight on July 25, 1940.