German WWII Knight's Cross to the Iron Cross Citation

This is the full presentation citation for the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross awarded to Luftwaffe fighter pilot Oberfeldwebel Wilhelm Mink. Born in Cologne, Mink joined the 5th Staffel of Jagdgeschwader 51 in early 1940 and participated in the French campaign of May/June 1940. Although he didn’t score any victories during the Battle of Britain, Mink was shot down over the English Channel and rescued by the German Air Sea Rescue Service. His first confirmed kill came on April 29, 1941, when he shot down an RAF Blenheim, followed by a British Hurricane on May 21, 1941.

In June 1941, Jagdgeschwader 51 was transferred to the Eastern Front for the invasion of Russia. By March 1942, Mink had achieved 40 aerial victories, and he was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. By July 1942, he reached his 50th victory, and he was subsequently transferred to the Erganzungs Gruppe Ost as an instructor. After being injured in a bombing raid, he returned to action in November 1943, now fighting in Italy. On February 3, 1944, Mink was injured in combat with a B-26 U.S. Army Air Force Marauder near Rome, and he bailed out of his Messerschmitt 109G. Unfortunately, Mink was killed in action when his aircraft was shot down by Allied fighters near Hadersleben, Denmark.

Throughout his career, Mink was credited with 72 aerial victories, including 8 on the Western Front and 64 on the Eastern Front. He was awarded numerous decorations, including the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, the German Cross in Gold, the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class, the Wound Badge (1939), the Honour Goblet (September 1941), the Flyers Qualification Badge, and the Front Flying Clasp for Fighters.

The presentation citation itself is a historical document in excellent condition. The external folder shows signs of damage due to dampness, causing it to twist and bow, with scuffing around the edges and corners as shown in the images. The inner document, however, remains in very good condition with clear lettering and the recipient’s name in gold, along with an original Adolf Hitler signature at the base of the award. There is slight damp staining along the right-hand side of the document. The folder originally had a thin strip of Morocco leather that is now missing, but the gilding on the Reich eagle on the front cover remains in excellent condition with only minor thinning in a small area. This is a rare and significant piece of WWII aviation history, representing the prestigious Knight’s Cross awarded to one of the Luftwaffe’s most successful pilots.