English Translation

The Reichsführer-i Berlin, August 25, 1944 T Igb.No.Au0II/2A/3198/44 Cl. Ma 27. AUG. 1944 Below I inform you in order of the Reichs Führer - a fundamental decision of the Führers about the award of the Iron Cross 2.Kl. with the request to take note. i.A. W -HauptsturmführER Distributor: IV Gehein Oberkommando des Heer H.Qu.OKH., August 17, 1944 PA / P 5 (b) 1. Season Secret! Az. 29a12 No. 1417/44 go. Reference: 1.) Kdt.d. Festen Platzes Vilnius v. 17.7.44 2) Residual staff Kdd. d.F.Pl. Wilna v. 31.7.44 Betr.: E.k,-Verleihungen an Wilna-Kämpfer. To the former Konmandant of Festenplatz W i 1 n a Herrn Generaleutnant Stahel z.Zt. Wehrnachtkommandante von W a r s c h a u In the Bez.Verfg. Nr. 1 it was ordered that all the Käm- pfern, which between the 7.7. and 13.7.44 in Vilna, which was awarded E.K.2.Kl.. The Pührer decided, with full appreciation of the hard fight in Vilnius, that such a award procedure is inadmissible at a bravery award like the Iron Cross. In contrast to Arnel signs and cuffs, which are awarded for participation in exceptionally hard and successful fights, it must be noted that the E.K. can only be loaned to individual soldiers for special bravery. Of course, in the recognized brave attitude of all the troops involved in the battle for Vilnius, such special bravery figures will be available in large numbers and will entitle to the award of a corresponding number of E.K. However, when all Wilna fighters are awarded, the E.C. will be used as a participant badge. This reduces the value of this Order, especially since it must be taken into account that such struggles are unique and will be repeated during this war The order of 17.7.44 must therefore be lifted.