PERSONAL GROUPING OF 11 DECORATIONS AND DOCUMENTS BELONGING TO WORLD WAR II GERMAN LUFTWAFFE STUKA PILOT AND GERMAN CROSS IN GOLD WINNER LIEUTENANT HEINZ SCHMITT
		Produced in the same dimensions and grades as the original all metal version, the only metal part used in the cloth model is the gilt or silver wreath, respectively, that forms a circular frame around the centered swastika. To give this modification greater acceptance and boost morale, it was further decided to permit the outer backgound color for the cloth German Cross to identify the service branch of the wearer. For example, Dark Blue represented the Navy, Green represented the Army, Gray represented the Luftwaffe and Black represented the Waffen SS (who also used Green).
		As seen in the photo, this particular cloth German Cross has a gray or Luftwaffe background color, which is obviously consistent with Lieutenant Schmitt's branch of service. Moreover, the absence of any backing paper, coupled with the presence of sewing marks around its outer edge, suggests that it had been sewn on to a uniform or flight jacket at some point before being removed. Incidentally, the metal ring has taken on a deep patina, in keeping with its age, which further serves to confirm the obvious authenticity of this decoration.
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