This Iron Cross First Class, manufactured by Fritz Zimmermann, was taken from a captured German Grenadier during the Battle of the Bulge by a veteran of the 359th Infantry Regiment, 99th Infantry Division. The decoration had been pinned directly through the soldier’s wool tunic and was removed at the time of capture - In the veteran’s own words: “This medal was pinned through directly on his wool tunic pocket. I had simply pulled it off and he did not dare say a word, he looked absolutely frightened and was convinced we were going to cut them all down.” – Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity from Bay State Militaria, a highly reputable dealer of Militaria Antiques.*Sourced from a reputable and trustworthy private collection*