Skip to content
Clark University
CENTERS AND INSTITUTES
Strassler Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies

Barry Hoffman Nazi Postcard Collection

Bravery Medal

May 2, 2024

Accession Number: 2022.02.14.24

Artist: Gottfried Klein

Stamp: The pre-printed stamp features Adolf Hitler standing at a podium

Postmark: Two identical circular postmarks dated November 23rd, 1940 from Berlin celebrating 7 years of strength and warmth of the Nazi regime from the advertizing department.

Historical background:

This postcard was designed by Gottfried Klein and was published on July 12th, 1940. The medal was awarded principally for bravery in battle, and was open to all ranks, from the lowest to the highest in the Wehrmacht. The medal was first awarded by King Frederick William III of Prussia who established it on 17th Mar 1813 during the Napoleonic Wars. The Iron Cross was awarded during World War I and World War II. It has changed very little over the years and is still in use today. During the Second World War the Iron Cross was awarded in two classes, 1st Class and 2nd Class. The medal in the postcard is a 2nd class Iron Cross.

[Front]Front of postcard with an Iron Cross medal suspended on a ribbon with an oak leaf cluster above it. The inscription in gold reads 'Only one can win and that is us'.

[Back]Back of postcard

Front

The front of the postcard features a second class Iron Cross medal with a golden oak leave branch above the medal. Below the medal reads “Only one of us can win and that is us, Adolf Hitler on November 8th 1939. The card is signed by the artist Gottfried Klein in the bottom left corner.

Back

The back of the postcard is addressed to Mr. Erich Bower. There are two identical circular postmarks dated November 23rd, 1940 from Berlin celebrating 7 years of strength and warmth of the Nazi regime.

Post CardsPost Cards