Well, one of only a few. As mentioned above the Time Ghost's content is also excellent. Both their WWI and WWII content. I have to admit I always look forward to a new piece by Mark.
Extra medals for wear on different uniforms wasn't unusual for the Germans, even going back to WW1. Many recipients of prestige awards could go to a jewelers and purchase lesser quality copies of their medals for everyday wear ( since a prestige award became a permanent part of the uniform) and save the actual award for special occasions. So it's little surprise there were more July 20th wound badges made than there were actual recipients. Possibly an even more rare award than the July 20th wound badge would be the Nazi Party award called "The German Order Of The NSDAP." This was a prestige award authorized by Hitler, worn at the neck like the Knights Cross and awarded for disinguished service to the Reich. Few were awarded and most were awarded posthumously like the ones awarded to Fritz Todt and Reinhard Heydrich, so much so high-ranking German officials called it "The Dead Man's Order." Reputedly there were only 11 awarded.
@@dr.barrycohn5461 Thank you sir, that's very kind of you! Honestly I'm lucky enough to figure out what side of a computer does what, doing my own UA-cam channel would be a mind-blower!
They weren't "lesser quality copies", they were the same quality as the awarded pieces. Private purchase awards were manufactured by the same companies that made the originals and were regulated by the LDO. For an example an Iron Cross First Class by BH Mayer would be stamped with the PKZ number 26 if it was supplied to the Government for awarding, an exact same quality piece for private purchase would be stamped L/18.
@@FR33STyla72 OK, I stand corrected! The reason I said what I did was there are documented Pour Le Merite medals from the WW1 period that are of lesser quality than the actual awards, the "everyday wear" ones if you will. I assumed the WW2 era awards would have been in the same category.
Another nugget of history brought forth! Thank you Dr Felton for your video, a lot of the history you present would otherwise be stuck in the back of some book that most folks don’t have access to! Hope someone finds grandpas war trophies and brings some out to be seen again!
@@SpetsnazVDV22 ah well if your interested then there's loads of info books etc (librarys have been dying since the Internet) that will give you awsome stories! That I know you will love!
...WOW, I didn't know this, and I have been studying WWII since I was a kid in 1965, and I have been collecting WWII memorabilia for years!!! I even Lived in Deutschland for 10 years (Retired U.S. Army Sgt.), and knew tons of Vets, and no body ever said anything about this...GREAT VIDEO MARK!!!
They are covered in most average and serious books on German awards though 😉 The L12 800 marked 'private purchase' version would be the 'cheaper' one - though all relative as they're so scarce - I mean if sold next to a 2 800 marked one. There's been threads about them on axis history forum since 2002. (I corresponded with the owner of one of Voss's badges 👍)
Actually, the only medal rarer than the 20 July 1944 Wound Badge would be the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross in Gold with Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds which was awarded by Hitler to the famous Stuka pilot Colonel Hans-Ulrich Rudel.
from what I recall reading about this award, supposedly there is a second version without the signature of Hitler. For those who are interested in this topic, I would highly recommend the book "For Fuhrer and Fatherland: Military Awards of the Third Reich", it has the back story, award criteria, and stats for just about every WW2 German medal you could think of, including this one (the book only covers military medals, as it's title suggests).
I love history, and have been binging on documentaries since I was a kid; instead of cartoons I always watched the History Channel (when it was good). So glad I found this channel~!
I've heard the Close Combat Clasp in gold was a quite rare award itself. So rare in fact that the enlisted German soldier held it in higher regard than the Knights Cross. Maybe someday a story about that award?
@@albertaaardvark966 understood. I would still love to have Dr. Felton do a story on this. I did read of one Hungarian SS trooper that almost earned the Clasp in gold that had a war record comparable to that of Audie Murphy. I even forgot his name even though I'm talking about him because, well of course we're not supposed to learn about anybody with extreme valor and bravery in the Axis.
@@jasonschweigert8069 I would watch that as well. But if I am being honest I would probably watch a video from Dr. Felton narrating his taking out the trash. Cheers.
That was absolutely fascinating. For those of us with an interest and some existing knowledge of WW2, ,it's difficult to source documentaries like this on the more obscure aspects of the war, and this is what Mark consistently provides in a very watchable format .
I think all my father brought back from the war was a limp from a grenade, a taste for Calvados, and a case of syphilis. The syphilis was treated in Germany, so I guess he didn't technically bring it home.😇
You are an Award to us Mark Felton to bring History to life. I have learned so much of the past that 'I' will definitely forget the atrocities committed.
I have genuinely learned more about the second world war from you than I have from my college courses and all for free! Thank you so much for you generosity and dedication to telling history.
As a student of WW2 history and several degrees of study in European history I'm fascinated with the wealth of information that I didnt know that I get from Mark in his videos. Well done, another gem.
Thank you Professor Felton!!! Well done on the research concerning the attempt on Hitler’s life with the bomb attack. Indeed a very rare wound badge as there were so few issued or authorized for issue.
I appreciate the careful research and articulate presentation. So many historical presentations on UA-cam are not carefully researched, nor articulate.
More unique medals from Axis & Allies... except for Russia for 2 reasons >>1) Ukrainian war >>2) Russian medals are gaudy and Russian officers have more than any three Allied soldiers could earn combined! Ribbons, totally different source/category - primarily qualifications. Medals, acts during battle.
Be careful mate. I've met a bunch of girls from various dating sites, and when I meet them in the pub, and ask after a couple of drinks, if they want to come back to my bedsit and look at my collection of SS and Nazi regalia, they usually go to the toilet, never to return, and call the police on me.......
Be careful at Militaria shows. A guy was buying an SS totenkopf cap badge and collar tabs for $150. The guys asked if they were authentic. The dealer said yes. After he left I told the dealer that he was selling fakes and lied. His answer "I got to make a living" The customer heard this and demanded his money back. Which he did. Then make it known he was a crook.
@@Livvvid even here in germany its rare to find them thanks to the massrobbery and plunder of our "liberators"(from freedom) who didnt think it was enough bombing 800 of our cities, killing and raping millions of our people, but also looting our homes and our dead like vultures
99.99% of 3R collectable out there are fakes. its a minefield. they only produced originals for 12 years from 1933-1945. but theyve been cranking out fakes since just before the war was even over in 1945 up into today! a big red flag shouldve been finding a totenkopf capbadge for only $150.
My dad had a German medal that my Grandad had brought back and that had the helmet on too but I have never looked up what it was for. I know what I'm doing now though. Having said that I played with them as a child so chances are it's lost. Great video yet again. Thanks ✌️😎 I've just looked for it and it was The Eastern Front Medal as far as I can tell.
Im in contact with an guard who was there and who personally talked with hitler . He was the guaed who let Stauffenberg in. His name is Kurt Salterberg and I also have his signature
@@OptimusPrinceps_Augustus I also have an Signature of Knightscrossholder Hugo Broch , SS Untersturmführer Dr Gerhard Femmpel and Oberleutnant Günther Tlotzlek
@@Der-Stahlhelm Thar's pretty cool, I used to collect German WW II Medals, Guns, Uniforms and Hats, now I just restore and sell ancient Roman coins and small artifacts for a living
Hans Ulrich Rudel Knights cross with golden oak leaves, swords and diamonds would be one of the most prestigious out there as I think only one was every awarded. Fantastic again Mark thank you
As somebody that once collected you also have to keep in mind a number of award manufactures like Junkers had their factories overrun and pillaged after the war ended. Many manufacturing dies and casts were taken resulting in post war fake medals that could be hard to distinguish from the real thing. Fortunately, as they were being used (post May 1945) the dies would slowly become worn and fatigued resulting in recognizable flaws.
even as areas of germany were occupied workers would show up at the now defunct factories and make runs of medals and badges to trade to gis for food and cigarettes. these would obviously be indistinguishable from officially awarded or produced ones as they werent technically produced under tha auspices of german authorities.
I agree except for Junker, their factory was bombed and it’s universally accepted in the collector community that all equipment and dies were destroyed.
I never liked my history teacher in high school but he made me appreciate it. listening to Mark just makes me like it more because it's non bias. I've been around for a while on Marks channel but I guess im not he only nerd in the world considering he's gained such a huge following. LEARNING rather than bitching about the past!!!!! Keep up the good work, cant imagine the work it takes to produce all of these videos
I’ll definitely take a second look at my grandmother’s keepsakes from Germany! Her first husband, a German soldier, was killed during the war. She met my grandfather, a master sergeant in the US Army, and immigrated to the US in 1948. My father was born in Germany in 1946. My grandmother had a box of keepsakes from her first marriage that came with her to the US.
@@isntezbncheezy7326 first of, the war was over. And then, the Americans could be seen as liberators. Also, not taking a good guy because mimimi is just dumb :)
if you find the paperwork declaring what was brought back, be sure to hold onto it because its "paper gold" as it instantly authenticates anything mentioned in it.
Great video as always. Bit funny on the part "loss of body part" awarded the silver badge. My grandfather lost his right lung cause of artillery, but he only got the black wound badge.
My grand served in WW2, fought in Sicily. He was wise but sad. He often said how the British and North American soldiers ran away when the enemy pushed harder. But when the enemy was unable to react or in disadvantage, they attacked as angry snakes. "It's the war, they show what they really are", he said. He said they were undisciplined, disobedient, drunkards, troublemakers, women harassers. Oh how he carried that sadness and disgust for them. "I'm no hero, the real heroes are six feet under the ground", his wise words. He couldn't see anything creating the hero archetype, he knew they were lies and phony propaganda. "I had only one friend, that was my mother". Peace for truthful and deep men.
So the British and Americans ran, according to your Grandfather. According to my grandfather the Italians couldn't be trusted because they didn't know what side they were fighting for. Perhaps the Germans and Italians pushed them into a war they didn't want.
Funnily enough, this is precisely what makes the American soldier such a headache to fight. They weren’t honorable soldiers of their time, they were opportunists, rabble rousers, seemingly undisciplined, yet quite effective because at the end of the day they were tough fighters.
thank you very much for an excellent… I don’t know what to say ? For remembering a piece of history or perhaps simply remembering …thinking of our past… Don’t know how well or how long you knew the man that was in the war but I would sure like to say Very well said and thank you for the insight Robert E Lee said that War is hell and myself I have never been anymore
Excellent video, I have always been intrigued by Medals, Orders, and Badges. The Soviets seemed especially proud of wearing their decorations, while in the West the ribbon sufficed....
I've often wondered how things may have turned out differently if, as I've heard, Von Stauffenberg was able to use both of the explosive charges available instead of just one.
I think it would have gone worse, someone new would have replaced Hitler and wouldn’t have been to insistent on the many money and time wasting programmes that Hitler loved
My German grandmothers brother was awarded the Verwundetenabzeichen in gold. I am named after him. His pictures, given to me by his wife, is on my photo cabinet. He served as a Wehrmacht Feldwebel all the war and survived it.
Dr. Felton again creates the best WWll German historical information that is so interesting, his knowledge of WWll is unbelievable, if he hasn't written a book he definitely should, I would buy it, thanks again for this video.
True and still there are so many things of ww2 not widley known. From all kind, stories, events, weapons, awards, people. Its astonishing how much the average history consumer dont know about ww2. Just alone in europe. Well, it last more than 60 months and involved millions of people. So no wonder ww2 created so much unknown interesting stuff.
ACKSHULLY I'd say either Goering's Grand Cross of the Iron Cross, or Hans-Ulrich Rudel's Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross in Golden Oak Leaves, Swords, and Diamonds would be the Holy Grail of WW2 German medals. Both are unique, having been awarded only once each.
Not quite, the Holy Grail Recovery Expedition is rarer. Only a few survived to wear it. General Vogel was awarded it posthumously, even though he never saw the Grail. But that happened before the war began. What's funny is an American archaeologist had recovered the chalice first but lost it during a cave-in. German reinforcements arrived and dug it out of after months of labor. Adolf drank from the Grail, and that's why Hitler was so hard to kill.
Hey Mark, I've heard that if von Stauffenberg had been successful in killing Hitler then that would not have worked out the way that the men involved in the plot had envisioned. I've heard that if they had succeeded they would have gone to the negotiating table hoping to get favorable terms: for example retaining control of the Rhineland, Czechslovakia, bits of Slovenia, Lithuania, and Poland, and most of the low countries like the Netherlands and Luxembourg. These demands for the territorial claims to be honored were extreme plus they also wanted to sue for peace with the west but not with the Soviet Union. Although this was unrealistic and when they had gone to the negotiating table they would have likely been met by nobody from the West, because by the time they tried to kill Hitler (they were probably unaware) the Allies and the Soviet Union had agreed there would be no separate peace and that all parties united against the Axis powers would only accept unconditional surrender. from Fascist Italy, Nazi Germany, and the Empire of Japan. What I'm wondering is if this is actually true? What do you think you have happened if Colonel von Stauffenberg had succeeded in killing Hitler? What sources of evidence have you seen or read that help you to make your own conclusions? Thanks as always for your videos!
The conspirators wanted to keep Eupen-Malmedy, Austria, the Sudetenland, the ethnically German parts of Alsace-Lorraine and South Tyrol, Memel and the parts of West Prussia and Posen that belonged to Germany before WWI. Before the war this would have seemed pretty reasonable. Germany in fact gained Austria, the Sudetenland and Memel before the war. As things were in July 1944 it was probably totally unacceptable even to the UK and the US.
Very interesting as I never heard of the very rare 20th July 1944 Wound Badge! Unfortunately you are correct correct to warn everyone that those medals can be easily a fake and are virtually indistinguishable from the original. Good job again as always 👍👍
As the war progressed they were handed out en masse to bolster morale. Apparently the German Army trapped at Antwerp was ordering them by the gross for the front line troops.
5:25. A very rare sight of a caring Adolf. Clearly the soldier had started to raise his hand to perform the Hitler salute, before getting a chance to complete you can see Hitler take his arm and place it gently by his bedside, as to not injure or hurt himself furthermore. I replayed it a few times and when you catch it, its pretty aw struck.. This video was great, Thanks once again Mr Felton
A real shocker (for my wife at least) was seeing film of Hitler playing with and cuddling his dog Blondi. "HOW could a man who loved his dog so much do such horrible things?" she asked. "Well, that's Adolf for you" I said. "Even though he's dead and you think you've got him figured out he still throws curveballs at you."
Another informative and interesting post , my father and an Uncle served in the Pacific theater and the Uncke that fought in Europe, was killed in action in Jan 1944. the few pieces of memorbilia that my Dad brought home werent very interesting compared to the things l see on your posts.
Thank you for sharing this information. Really interesting but surely the Knight's Cross with Gold Oak leaves, swords and diamonds is the more rare, as only one man received it, rather than 24+?
I believe it's still considered a Knights Cross even with all of the glitter. So Rudels is by definition still one of around 7500. I could be mistaken on this but I did read something about that from a pawn broker that deals heavily in military collectables. Close Combat Clasps and Tank Destruction Badges of any class are also worth some major coin.
@@ArmyJames All of my professors go by first name, why not just call him Mark? I doubt he would insist on being called by his title, he doesn't seem too pretentious.
From what I've read, whenever Hitler's paintings go up for auction, a wealthy persons wins the bid and then destroys them. It would be interesting to know what known Hitler paintings are believed to still exist though.
@@jb6027 People are stupid, damn, what a waste of historical artifacts. No living nazi cares about those paintings. They should no longer be placed on auction.
I think that, just like after every episode of the JHS Show on obscure pedal brands, the price of these medals just went up. Those who have one just opened up a Champaign bottle, those that already wanted one just cursed Mark Felton.
My great grandpa wanted himself buried in his major uniform with his badges. He had many badges like the Purple Heart (2) But I don’t know how many badges he actually had other than that.
I havent watched any of these in some time, but everytime i do i am simply amazed this guy continues to come up with these rare little tidbits. just amazing.
I never looked deep enough in to Grandpa’s War chest because it was choked off with the piles of Lugers, helmets and MP40s ! I will now have to take another look !
That's super interesting, thank you for the video! My mother told me her grandmother had a brother who brought back German silver cutlery and dishes. You never know, he could have one of these too! Lol
You nailed it, sir. That already-bloodstained asshole went on to enable communist regimes now responsible for over 100,000,000 deaths and billions enslaved because of his actions & assistance. And for what? Apart from serving his masters, he wanted to protect the "empire" he had devoted his life to, which crumbled anyhow in large part because of his decisions. "History will be kind to me, for I intend to write it," however some of us are critical thinkers and don't believe the hyped BS. Unlike in this world, I hope he's now sobered up to perpetually feel justice for the misery he caused countless souls.
@@scottlindsly Apart from hundred million death and the loss of the British empire, "diversity, 64 different sexual identities" and kid grooming is all what's left as their only "strength", as everybody can see now.
A video on the infamous Plot E, of the Oise-Aisne American Cemetery might be interesting. It houses the remains of those soldiers formerly in the U.S Army who were tried and executed for war crimes. Special steps were taken to grant no sort of memorial to those shameful dead. Still fascinating.
My Dad has a Luger in the original box w/matching number magazine. And the papers for who it was issued to. Everyone's reaction is always the same. There's also an iron cross in the case, assume it belonged to the same individual.
“No not tonight Honey, Mark Felton just uploaded a new video.”
Best spend your 9 minutes a better way eh lmao
At least not for the next 9 to 14 minutes….
If you're a real Mark felton fan, you have sex to mark felton videos
@SeatSniffer1945 "I just wish you would listen to me the way you listen to Mark"
"You wont last as long has his videos either, honey."
Single handedly keeping this kind of history alive on UA-cam. The only history channel worth bothering with nowadays
Kings & Generals
Time Ghost’s WW2 series is totally worth your time. More detail than you could ever hope to absorb.
Modern History TV is amazing as well!
Well, one of only a few. As mentioned above the Time Ghost's content is also excellent. Both their WWI and WWII content. I have to admit I always look forward to a new piece by Mark.
@@beavis6363 I agree.
It's always quite remarkable how he manages to find so much information on the smallest details in history
That's what makes this channel so amazing.... I have another WW2 buff at work and we both watch this channel. Great water cooler conversations ensue.
Books.
Considering he’s a historian and this is his profession, he kinda has to.
I'm not sure about the officers being worried about breaking their oath to Hitler since they already broken their oath to the Weimar Republic
How about the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Golden Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds. Only one recipient: Hans Ulrich Rudel.
Extra medals for wear on different uniforms wasn't unusual for the Germans, even going back to WW1. Many recipients of prestige awards could go to a jewelers and purchase lesser quality copies of their medals for everyday wear ( since a prestige award became a permanent part of the uniform) and save the actual award for special occasions. So it's little surprise there were more July 20th wound badges made than there were actual recipients.
Possibly an even more rare award than the July 20th wound badge would be the Nazi Party award called "The German Order Of The NSDAP." This was a prestige award authorized by Hitler, worn at the neck like the Knights Cross and awarded for disinguished service to the Reich. Few were awarded and most were awarded posthumously like the ones awarded to Fritz Todt and Reinhard Heydrich, so much so high-ranking German officials called it "The Dead Man's Order." Reputedly there were only 11 awarded.
You should have your own UA-cam channel.
@@dr.barrycohn5461 Thank you sir, that's very kind of you!
Honestly I'm lucky enough to figure out what side of a computer does what, doing my own UA-cam channel would be a mind-blower!
They weren't "lesser quality copies", they were the same quality as the awarded pieces. Private purchase awards were manufactured by the same companies that made the originals and were regulated by the LDO. For an example an Iron Cross First Class by BH Mayer would be stamped with the PKZ number 26 if it was supplied to the Government for awarding, an exact same quality piece for private purchase would be stamped L/18.
@@FR33STyla72 OK, I stand corrected!
The reason I said what I did was there are documented Pour Le Merite medals from the WW1 period that are of lesser quality than the actual awards, the "everyday wear" ones if you will. I assumed the WW2 era awards would have been in the same category.
And only 2 recipients of the German Order survived the war - Konstantin Hierl (1875 - 1955) and Artur Axmann (1913 - 1996).
The line "take another look at Grandpa's wartime bring-backs" was hilarious. Excellent video as always
Neat lamp...,?
@@Dian-kb2hgtf
You must of lived in the Library before the internet Mark, your passion for History is astounding.
Paducah Kentucky?
@@fireboigotti2647 Yep.
@@thedukeofpaducah9682 awesome I'm in Cairo illinois
Go over to his house and worship him.
"Of you put the beer in the fridge?"
_Damn! No I ofn't, I must of left it in the car._
"We only of a couple of hours before everyone gets here!"
My grandpa was a firefighter and he had to serve at the wolfs lair on July 20th. Luckily he survived the war.
Another nugget of history brought forth! Thank you Dr Felton for your video, a lot of the history you present would otherwise be stuck in the back of some book that most folks don’t have access to! Hope someone finds grandpas war trophies and brings some out to be seen again!
I never knew this existed! Awesome work, Dr. Felton!
You didn't know this happened? Have u been living under a rock! Go to a library they have book's all about this stuff bud
@@leemichael2154 no I never knew the award existed 😂
@@SpetsnazVDV22 ah well if your interested then there's loads of info books etc (librarys have been dying since the Internet) that will give you awsome stories! That I know you will love!
@@leemichael2154 thanks buddy, I’ll take a look 👍
I did not know that a special sound badge was created for the survivors of the bomb plot. An interesting story, thanks.
love how mark finds a great story out of an overlooked little thing. wonderful stuff. love his content and ability to tell a story
May I add that the voice tone itself, it’s tempo and the perfect diction make it all the more enjoyable
Thats what youtubing is all about young padawan
5:26 the solider is still so devoted to hitler that he raises his arm despite beeing bandaged like that
Youd never find that in murica
@@AbuHajarAlBugattiThank god
...WOW, I didn't know this, and I have been studying WWII since I was a kid in 1965, and I have been collecting WWII memorabilia for years!!! I even Lived in Deutschland for 10 years (Retired U.S. Army Sgt.), and knew tons of Vets, and no body ever said anything about this...GREAT VIDEO MARK!!!
Really interesting subject! Very few people would know about these “wound medals” if it were not for Dr. Felton. Great work doc!
They are covered in most average and serious books on German awards though 😉
The L12 800 marked 'private purchase' version would be the 'cheaper' one - though all relative as they're so scarce - I mean if sold next to a 2 800 marked one. There's been threads about them on axis history forum since 2002. (I corresponded with the owner of one of Voss's badges 👍)
Actually, the only medal rarer than the 20 July 1944 Wound Badge would be the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross in Gold with Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds which was awarded by Hitler to the famous Stuka pilot Colonel Hans-Ulrich Rudel.
He did a video on that I believe, or a video that references the pilot and award
There is also the Grand Cross of the Iron Cross, the only WWII receipient being Hermann Goering.
@@carterchiaramonte7584 yes, he did. It's titled "Hans-Ulrich Rudel, the Surrender of Germany's Most Decorated Ace, 1945".
@@williamkennedy9641 Awarding medals to yourself doesn't count.
@@SirAntoniousBlock why not? european nobility has been doing it for centuries!
from what I recall reading about this award, supposedly there is a second version without the signature of Hitler. For those who are interested in this topic, I would highly recommend the book "For Fuhrer and Fatherland: Military Awards of the Third Reich", it has the back story, award criteria, and stats for just about every WW2 German medal you could think of, including this one (the book only covers military medals, as it's title suggests).
I love history, and have been binging on documentaries since I was a kid; instead of cartoons I always watched the History Channel (when it was good). So glad I found this channel~!
Avoid the history channel.
Totally useless.😠
I can imagine the arguments over what counted as a wound.
I can't imagine any arguments about that.
As a collector of medals for the last 40 years, not a single error in this video, great to see quality yt videos.
I've heard the Close Combat Clasp in gold was a quite rare award itself. So rare in fact that the enlisted German soldier held it in higher regard than the Knights Cross. Maybe someday a story about that award?
They presented a little over 600 CCC in gold. Rare but not as rare as the 20th July wound badge.
@@albertaaardvark966 understood. I would still love to have Dr. Felton do a story on this. I did read of one Hungarian SS trooper that almost earned the Clasp in gold that had a war record comparable to that of Audie Murphy. I even forgot his name even though I'm talking about him because, well of course we're not supposed to learn about anybody with extreme valor and bravery in the Axis.
*almost earned the Clasp in gold twice.
@@jasonschweigert8069 I would watch that as well. But if I am being honest I would probably watch a video from Dr. Felton narrating his taking out the trash. Cheers.
The SS sports proficiency badge is also a rare badge I don`t know why black SS runes over a rounded swastika they did do some great looking badges
That was absolutely fascinating. For those of us with an interest and some existing knowledge of WW2, ,it's difficult to source documentaries like this on the more obscure aspects of the war, and this is what Mark consistently provides in a very watchable format .
Awesome Work Mark, Thanks 👍👍 Greetings from Helsinki, Finland 🇫🇮
How can one man make more historical content than the history channel?
I think all my father brought back from the war was a limp from a grenade, a taste for Calvados, and a case of syphilis. The syphilis was treated in Germany, so I guess he didn't technically bring it home.😇
Calvados?
@@michaelandreipalon359 it’s a French apple brandy made in the Calvados region in Normandy
Ah, I see.
A "case"?
That is a dozen bottles, no?
_'a case of syphilis'_ Still counts as being injured in action.
You are an Award to us Mark Felton to bring History to life. I have learned so much of the past that 'I' will definitely forget the atrocities committed.
I have genuinely learned more about the second world war from you than I have from my college courses and all for free! Thank you so much for you generosity and dedication to telling history.
As a student of WW2 history and several degrees of study in European history I'm fascinated with the wealth of information that I didnt know that I get from Mark in his videos. Well done, another gem.
Thank you Professor Felton!!! Well done on the research concerning the attempt on Hitler’s life with the bomb attack. Indeed a very rare wound badge as there were so few issued or authorized for issue.
Professor? he has a Phd from Uni of Essex.
Dr. Felton always finds an way to locate a tantalizing topic and flawlessly execute the presentation of the subject matter.
Fascinating little nugget of history. Thanks Mark.
One of the most interesting channels about History(World War 1 & 2). Most videos are under 10-15 mins. Mark keeps it crisp.
Great video as always !
I appreciate the careful research and articulate presentation. So many historical presentations on UA-cam are not carefully researched, nor
articulate.
Please do more videos about badges and medals ! I collect a lot of German medals and badges but have never heard of these before
More unique medals from Axis & Allies... except for Russia for 2 reasons
>>1) Ukrainian war
>>2) Russian medals are gaudy and Russian officers have more than any three Allied soldiers could earn combined!
Ribbons, totally different source/category - primarily qualifications.
Medals, acts during battle.
You can cosplay and display all badges on your shirt when you are outside walking
My channel has done a lot on German WWII awards, including the German cross in gold, give it a look if you get the chance,
Be careful mate. I've met a bunch of girls from various dating sites, and when I meet them in the pub, and ask after a couple of drinks, if they want to come back to my bedsit and look at my collection of SS and Nazi regalia, they usually go to the toilet, never to return, and call the police on me.......
*As a numismatic collector myself, I'm really curious to see more videos about this topic.*
Be careful at Militaria shows. A guy was buying an SS totenkopf cap badge and collar tabs for $150. The guys asked if they were authentic. The dealer said yes.
After he left I told the dealer that he was selling fakes and lied. His answer "I got to make a living"
The customer heard this and demanded his money back. Which he did. Then make it known he was a crook.
@@Livvvid even here in germany its rare to find them thanks to the massrobbery and plunder of our "liberators"(from freedom) who didnt think it was enough bombing 800 of our cities, killing and raping millions of our people, but also looting our homes and our dead like vultures
99.99% of 3R collectable out there are fakes. its a minefield. they only produced originals for 12 years from 1933-1945. but theyve been cranking out fakes since just before the war was even over in 1945 up into today!
a big red flag shouldve been finding a totenkopf capbadge for only $150.
My dad had a German medal that my Grandad had brought back and that had the helmet on too but I have never looked up what it was for. I know what I'm doing now though. Having said that I played with them as a child so chances are it's lost. Great video yet again. Thanks ✌️😎 I've just looked for it and it was The Eastern Front Medal as far as I can tell.
Hell on Earth.
Not 50k$ but 50+$. Not bad.
ah well, back to work tomorrow then :D
@@ThePsiclone in your prison servant reality
Chances are it was a wound medal if it looked like the one at the start of this video.
Thanks!
Im in contact with an guard who was there and who personally talked with hitler . He was the guaed who let Stauffenberg in.
His name is Kurt Salterberg and I also have his signature
Amazing, how old is he now?
@@sensational_cellar8606 99
I have Adolf Galland's signature, met him at an Air Show in Las Vegas years ago
@@OptimusPrinceps_Augustus I also have an Signature of Knightscrossholder Hugo Broch , SS Untersturmführer Dr Gerhard Femmpel and Oberleutnant Günther Tlotzlek
@@Der-Stahlhelm Thar's pretty cool, I used to collect German WW II Medals, Guns, Uniforms and Hats, now I just restore and sell ancient Roman coins and small artifacts for a living
Hans Ulrich Rudel Knights cross with golden oak leaves, swords and diamonds would be one of the most prestigious out there as I think only one was every awarded. Fantastic again Mark thank you
As somebody that once collected you also have to keep in mind a number of award manufactures like Junkers had their factories overrun and pillaged after the war ended. Many manufacturing dies and casts were taken resulting in post war fake medals that could be hard to distinguish from the real thing. Fortunately, as they were being used (post May 1945) the dies would slowly become worn and fatigued resulting in recognizable flaws.
even as areas of germany were occupied workers would show up at the now defunct factories and make runs of medals and badges to trade to gis for food and cigarettes. these would obviously be indistinguishable from officially awarded or produced ones as they werent technically produced under tha auspices of german authorities.
I agree except for Junker, their factory was bombed and it’s universally accepted in the collector community that all equipment and dies were destroyed.
I never liked my history teacher in high school but he made me appreciate it. listening to Mark just makes me like it more because it's non bias. I've been around for a while on Marks channel but I guess im not he only nerd in the world considering he's gained such a huge following. LEARNING rather than bitching about the past!!!!! Keep up the good work, cant imagine the work it takes to produce all of these videos
5 bucks a month gets me more than any other history channel. keep up the good work man
Anybody else interested in learning Dr. Felton's research style and process? Or his own background? Just me?
@@madisntit6547
I may need to look that up! Sitting Bull is one of my heroes.
Veeery Interesting.Always something new when Mark Felton Productions is involved.
This is a fantastic video I never knew there was such a medal for the July 20th bomb plot
There is probably lots of more ww2 things you dont know and me too. So much too learn
Keeping important and interesting stories alive for future. Thank you
I’ll definitely take a second look at my grandmother’s keepsakes from Germany! Her first husband, a German soldier, was killed during the war. She met my grandfather, a master sergeant in the US Army, and immigrated to the US in 1948. My father was born in Germany in 1946. My grandmother had a box of keepsakes from her first marriage that came with her to the US.
Sleeping with the enemy
@@isntezbncheezy7326 first of, the war was over. And then, the Americans could be seen as liberators.
Also, not taking a good guy because mimimi is just dumb :)
if you find the paperwork declaring what was brought back, be sure to hold onto it because its "paper gold" as it instantly authenticates anything mentioned in it.
@@aramisortsbottcher8201 lmao I was totally just teasing him, I was drunk at like 4am when I saw his comment 🤣
@@isntezbncheezy7326 no no, you’re right she straight up switched teams homie 🤣
I've become infatuated with World War II All Because Of You Mr. Felton and I just want to say thank you
Great video as always. Bit funny on the part "loss of body part" awarded the silver badge. My grandfather lost his right lung cause of artillery, but he only got the black wound badge.
Thanks for sharing
Are you sure it was artillery or a 9mm?
Lmao. Some wont get that
LMAO
@@Marktk72 I see what you did there. Well played, sir!
"Badges? We don't need no stinking badges."
My grand served in WW2, fought in Sicily. He was wise but sad. He often said how the British and North American soldiers ran away when the enemy pushed harder. But when the enemy was unable to react or in disadvantage, they attacked as angry snakes. "It's the war, they show what they really are", he said. He said they were undisciplined, disobedient, drunkards, troublemakers, women harassers. Oh how he carried that sadness and disgust for them. "I'm no hero, the real heroes are six feet under the ground", his wise words. He couldn't see anything creating the hero archetype, he knew they were lies and phony propaganda. "I had only one friend, that was my mother". Peace for truthful and deep men.
So the British and Americans ran, according to your Grandfather. According to my grandfather the Italians couldn't be trusted because they didn't know what side they were fighting for. Perhaps the Germans and Italians pushed them into a war they didn't want.
Funnily enough, this is precisely what makes the American soldier such a headache to fight. They weren’t honorable soldiers of their time, they were opportunists, rabble rousers, seemingly undisciplined, yet quite effective because at the end of the day they were tough fighters.
thank you very much for an excellent… I don’t know what to say ? For remembering a piece of history or perhaps simply remembering …thinking of our past… Don’t know how well or how long you knew the man that was in the war but I would sure like to say Very well said and thank you for the insight Robert E Lee said that War is hell and myself I have never been anymore
@@Mark_Cook
Never been in war is what I meant to say
@@Mark_Cook they were well supplied and protected from above. Makes a difference
This is so unique and educational! I love the images backed by verifiable narrative. Thank you, sir.
Excellent video, I have always been intrigued by Medals, Orders, and Badges. The Soviets seemed especially proud of wearing their decorations, while in the West the ribbon sufficed....
Always the Highlight of the day... Mark Felton comes out with some video about some obscure thing that I never even knew I wanted to know about!!
First time I know about the existance of this medal, thank you for the interesting documentary.
Great documentary short-- this channel is important for us to experience. Never forget!
I've often wondered how things may have turned out differently if, as I've heard, Von Stauffenberg was able to use both of the explosive charges available instead of just one.
I think it would have gone worse, someone new would have replaced Hitler and wouldn’t have been to insistent on the many money and time wasting programmes that Hitler loved
Awesome job as always..! With out you these types of historic tidbits would be totally forgotten.Thank you for keeping this information alive.
My German grandmothers brother was awarded the Verwundetenabzeichen in gold. I am named after him. His pictures, given to me by his wife, is on my photo cabinet. He served as a Wehrmacht Feldwebel all the war and survived it.
The stories he must have experienced all gone , so brave !
Dr. Felton again creates the best WWll German historical information that is so interesting, his knowledge of WWll is unbelievable, if he hasn't written a book he definitely should, I would buy it, thanks again for this video.
True and still there are so many things of ww2 not widley known. From all kind, stories, events, weapons, awards, people. Its astonishing how much the average history consumer dont know about ww2. Just alone in europe. Well, it last more than 60 months and involved millions of people. So no wonder ww2 created so much unknown interesting stuff.
The holy grail of all WW2 German medals.
Is that you, Rick Harrison (from Pawn Stars)?
ACKSHULLY I'd say either Goering's Grand Cross of the Iron Cross, or Hans-Ulrich Rudel's Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross in Golden Oak Leaves, Swords, and Diamonds would be the Holy Grail of WW2 German medals. Both are unique, having been awarded only once each.
Not quite, the Holy Grail Recovery Expedition is rarer. Only a few survived to wear it. General Vogel was awarded it posthumously, even though he never saw the Grail. But that happened before the war began. What's funny is an American archaeologist had recovered the chalice first but lost it during a cave-in. German reinforcements arrived and dug it out of after months of labor. Adolf drank from the Grail, and that's why Hitler was so hard to kill.
@@IrishCarney yeah
These wound badges are not the most rare!.Thank you for taking the time to write this Correct info.
2 thumbs up2you Irish.
Thank you as always, Dr Felton.
Amazing video! Keep up the great work. This channel deserves more subscribers.
Bruh he released this video 2 minutes ago and the video is 9 minutes long
@@advanced2431 I know, I just now finished. But I know that the video will be good even before watching!
Mark, please never delete your content. Thanks from the future.
Hey Mark,
I've heard that if von Stauffenberg had been successful in killing Hitler then that would not have worked out the way that the men involved in the plot had envisioned. I've heard that if they had succeeded they would have gone to the negotiating table hoping to get favorable terms: for example retaining control of the Rhineland, Czechslovakia, bits of Slovenia, Lithuania, and Poland, and most of the low countries like the Netherlands and Luxembourg. These demands for the territorial claims to be honored were extreme plus they also wanted to sue for peace with the west but not with the Soviet Union.
Although this was unrealistic and when they had gone to the negotiating table they would have likely been met by nobody from the West, because by the time they tried to kill Hitler (they were probably unaware) the Allies and the Soviet Union had agreed there would be no separate peace and that all parties united against the Axis powers would only accept unconditional surrender. from Fascist Italy, Nazi Germany, and the Empire of Japan.
What I'm wondering is if this is actually true? What do you think you have happened if Colonel von Stauffenberg had succeeded in killing Hitler? What sources of evidence have you seen or read that help you to make your own conclusions?
Thanks as always for your videos!
Excellent observation.
The conspirators wanted to keep Eupen-Malmedy, Austria, the Sudetenland, the ethnically German parts of Alsace-Lorraine and South Tyrol, Memel and the parts of West Prussia and Posen that belonged to Germany before WWI. Before the war this would have seemed pretty reasonable. Germany in fact gained Austria, the Sudetenland and Memel before the war. As things were in July 1944 it was probably totally unacceptable even to the UK and the US.
Dr Felton I finally got to see a video the day you posted it. Thank you very much for the history. 🎖️🏅
Very interesting as I never heard of the very rare 20th July 1944 Wound Badge! Unfortunately you are correct correct to warn everyone that those medals can be easily a fake and are virtually indistinguishable from the original. Good job again as always 👍👍
At 3:19 you can see the metal plate sticking out of the top of AH hat. Thanks mark, great video, as usual..
Hitler refused to wear any decorations beside what he received as a soldier in WW1.
Now that’s a man with principles.
somewhat tarnished by murder 12 million in the death camps and killing millions more starting a world war of aggression. just sayin wehraboo.
@@thurin84 as true as "Ukrainians are winning the war"!
@@AdSd100 yep.
And a handsome man at the that!
I loved this video!!! Really like the videos involving medals and orders
This makes the Iron Cross look easy to obtain... Great stuff as always Mark. Your content on the Third Reich is outstanding!
Well frankly they are pretty easy to obtain haha
As the war progressed they were handed out en masse to bolster morale. Apparently the German Army trapped at Antwerp was ordering them by the gross for the front line troops.
Always a great time with Mark
5:25. A very rare sight of a caring Adolf. Clearly the soldier had started to raise his hand to perform the Hitler salute, before getting a chance to complete you can see Hitler take his arm and place it gently by his bedside, as to not injure or hurt himself furthermore. I replayed it a few times and when you catch it, its pretty aw struck.. This video was great, Thanks once again Mr Felton
A real shocker (for my wife at least) was seeing film of Hitler playing with and cuddling his dog Blondi.
"HOW could a man who loved his dog so much do such horrible things?" she asked.
"Well, that's Adolf for you" I said. "Even though he's dead and you think you've got him figured out he still throws curveballs at you."
very rare, that rare if he comes back Ill send him back to rarity of inhumane tortures
@@bizon262 yeah it's odd to say even the words "caring" around AH.
Also when I mentioned, "This was great" it was reference to Mark's video.
@@JDMilitaria yes I saw the time stamp ealier
Thanks Mark for the new upload. I am going to add it to my work out playlist.
Another informative and interesting post , my father and an Uncle served in the Pacific theater and the Uncke that fought in Europe, was killed in action in Jan 1944.
the few pieces of memorbilia that my Dad brought home werent very interesting compared to the things l see on your posts.
Another fine video Monsieur Felton.Brilliant ...!
Years ago in the 80's I saw an original gold version in a protective case
Wonderful documentary as always dr Felton.😊
Thank you for sharing this information. Really interesting but surely the Knight's Cross with Gold Oak leaves, swords and diamonds is the more rare, as only one man received it, rather than 24+?
Hans Ulrich-Udel
Hans-Ulrich Rudel was the only recipient.
I believe it's still considered a Knights Cross even with all of the glitter. So Rudels is by definition still one of around 7500. I could be mistaken on this but I did read something about that from a pawn broker that deals heavily in military collectables. Close Combat Clasps and Tank Destruction Badges of any class are also worth some major coin.
@@jasonschweigert8069 Oh, thanks.
That is what I would think also
Thank you for a insightful and
very good comment
I would recommend the WWII History Buff for Videos on WWII German medals and badges. Great Historical Video also by the way
Me too
Mr.Felton, perhaps one day you could do a video on the whereabouts of Adolf's artworks. - Thanks.
You are a fantastic historian !
That’s DOCTOR Felton, please.
@K Kr Can't help but wonder what a genuine Hitler would fetch at Sotheby's!
@@ArmyJames All of my professors go by first name, why not just call him Mark? I doubt he would insist on being called by his title, he doesn't seem too pretentious.
From what I've read, whenever Hitler's paintings go up for auction, a wealthy persons wins the bid and then destroys them. It would be interesting to know what known Hitler paintings are believed to still exist though.
@@jb6027 People are stupid, damn, what a waste of historical artifacts. No living nazi cares about those paintings.
They should no longer be placed on auction.
I think that, just like after every episode of the JHS Show on obscure pedal brands, the price of these medals just went up. Those who have one just opened up a Champaign bottle, those that already wanted one just cursed Mark Felton.
My great grandpa wanted himself buried in his major uniform with his badges. He had many badges like the Purple Heart (2) But I don’t know how many badges he actually had other than that.
I havent watched any of these in some time, but everytime i do i am simply amazed this guy continues to come up with these rare little tidbits. just amazing.
I never looked deep enough in to Grandpa’s War chest because it was choked off with the piles of Lugers, helmets and MP40s ! I will now have to take another look !
Felton you did it again you expanded my knowledge once again
I thought the rarest Medal in the world is the Washington District of Columbia Common Sense Medal. As far as I can prove nobody has ever earned it.
Common sense in Washington, D.C. ?
I don't think anyone will ever earn that
As usual, the master pulls out another one we've never even heard of
Mark Felton uploads a video, I instantly click “play”, put in airpods, cup of tea and settle in for epic intro.
Dr. Felton you are unmatched!
That's super interesting, thank you for the video! My mother told me her grandmother had a brother who brought back German silver cutlery and dishes. You never know, he could have one of these too! Lol
Not a single dislike show’s how much your video’s are enjoyed and appreciate keep up the good work👍😁❤️
“You must understand that this war is not against Hitler or National Socialism, but against the strength of the German people”
- W. Churchill
You nailed it, sir. That already-bloodstained asshole went on to enable communist regimes now responsible for over 100,000,000 deaths and billions enslaved because of his actions & assistance. And for what? Apart from serving his masters, he wanted to protect the "empire" he had devoted his life to, which crumbled anyhow in large part because of his decisions. "History will be kind to me, for I intend to write it," however some of us are critical thinkers and don't believe the hyped BS. Unlike in this world, I hope he's now sobered up to perpetually feel justice for the misery he caused countless souls.
@@scottlindsly Apart from hundred million death and the loss of the British empire, "diversity, 64 different sexual identities" and kid grooming is all what's left as their only "strength", as everybody can see now.
Mark you always managed to find something new back in time during the war days,,, great stuff,,
A video on the infamous Plot E, of the Oise-Aisne American Cemetery might be interesting. It houses the remains of those soldiers formerly in the U.S Army who were tried and executed for war crimes. Special steps were taken to grant no sort of memorial to those shameful dead. Still fascinating.
Thank you Doctor Mark, your presentation of history never fails to fascinate and enlighten. Bravo!
Love em or hate em. They had the most stylish uniforms.
Thanks so much Mr. Felton for your work. Greetings from Bavaria
My Dad has a Luger in the original box w/matching number magazine. And the papers for who it was issued to. Everyone's reaction is always the same. There's also an iron cross in the case, assume it belonged to the same individual.
Cool lots of nazi trophies in usa today
That is very interesting I wonder if there would be any kind of way to trace that? Just interesting to say the least thank you for sharing
I love the history, as presented by Mark Felton. Thank You...
Nice video, love your yt
Great video, Mark! This was a very interesting subject that I knew little about. I really enjoyed this. Thanks!