Original German Cross in gold certificate to U-68 sailor St.O.Masch. Alfred Schmelzle. It comes with a 1.4.1944 dated confirmation of the "Personalbüro U-Boote" confirming that he was awarded the German Cross in gold on 9.2.1944.
Furthermore an period time photograph which must show Schmelzle after the award ceremony. We don't know which one he is.
The German Cross citation comes with an original ink signature of Dönitz. Embossed eagle stamp with oak leaves around. It was mounted on canvas and it covered with foil. You can not remove the canvas or foil. Folded several times.
U-68 was commissioned in February 1941 under the command of Karl-Friedrich Merten (Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves). It did 9 missions. The German Cross must have been awarded to Schmelzle for bravery during the 8th mission.
