Knights Cross Formal Document, Folder and Letter. Paul Gollbach.

The large formal presentation folder for the formal Knights Cross award document in an excellent, nearly like new condition. The folder covered in burgundy grained red leather and the front cover bearing a gold embossed, left-facing eagle clutching a wreath encircling a swastika. The folders are lined in parchment with the outer edges bearing the same red leather and bearing double lines of gilt trim. The makers name, „FRIEDA THIERSCH“, appears in small embossed gilt letters at the bottom of the inside of the rear cover.

The double page parchment document bearing the original signature of Adolf Hitler at bottom. The text of the document reads: „“In the name of the German People I award Oberwachtmeister Paul Gollbach the Knights Cross of the Iron Cross Fuhrer Headquarters 2 October 1941 The Fuhrer and Supreme Commander of the Wehrmacht Adolf Hitler““.
The document is intricately hand-lettered in dark brown India ink and Buchners name is rendered in raised gold leaf. Slightly wavy but otherwise in an excellent condition.

The document and folder in the original paper wrapping and together with the original brown cardboard box. Written in pencil on the front side „Oberw. Paul Gollbach“.

Also the accompanying letter from the Oberkommando des Heeres (Army High Command), concerning the delivery of the document to his wife, Frau Gollbach. A very rarely seen letter with only very few still known in collections.

Further Paul Gollbachs identity disc, several congratulatory letters and telegrams to the award, some photos and 2 photos of his burial in 2004.

Extremely difficult to find complete set in near best condition.

Paul Gollbach was born on 14.7.1915 in Kirchelhassel / Hessen. On 1.4.1934 he joined the Artillery Regiment 5 (Reichswehr) in Fulda. In 1941 the Rregiment was sent to Russia.
Gollbach was senior sergeant and leader of the 5th Battery. In Autumn of 1941 the regiment was forced into retreat during a Soviet attack. The enemy had broken through the lines with tanks and infantry and had already overrun the firing position. Taking command of the situation, Gollbach formed a group of artillerymen and grenadiers and repulsed the attack. The artillery pieces could be recaptured and made ready for use again. Paul Gollbach and his men held the recovered position for more than three hours against a massive superior enemy force. Two Soviet tanks were destroyed. Three hours later reinforcements arrived to find Paul Gollbach and all his men were wounded. For this achievement, he was awarded the Knights Cross of the Iron Cross on 13.10.1941