Panzer Lehr EK 1 citation- Normandy Westfront 1944

3 citations to Obergefreiter Paul Kohlhoff.

He was awarded the Ostmedaille on 27-8-1942.
One day later on 28-8-1942 he got wounded for the first time while serving with 3./ Heeres Pionier Battalion 746 and was awarded the Wounded Badge in Black on 21 September 1942.

The Pionier Battalion 746 fought on the Eastfront as part of the 3. Panzer Armee at that time.

In 1944 he was a member of 3./Panzer Pionier Lehr Battalion 130 of the Panzer Lehr Division.

Normandy

When the Western Allies launched Operation Overlord on 6 June 1944, Panzer Lehr, as a part of the strategic armored reserve Panzer Gruppe West, was held back from the fighting during the crucial first days. It was soon released, reached the front, and was committed to battle against the British and Canadians on June 8.

It was placed in the front line adjacent to the 12. SS Panzer Division Hitlerjugend where it defended Caen and fought several British offensives to a standstill.

During the months June - July and August the Division fought on several locations in Normandy like Villers-Bocage, Tilly-sur-Seulles, Saint Lo and others before it was withdrawn on 17 August towards Alencon. After the demise in Normandy the Division withdrawal towards Germany. In September 1944 the Kampfgruppe Hauser fought along the Westwall near Prum.

On 8 October 1944 he was awarded the EK 1 for several acts of bravery shown on the Westfront.
Signed by the commander Fritz Bayerlein.

Heavy used condition, has been folded and taped.

Hard to find EK 1 award document to an Panzer Lehr member!

code: B24255