Hunting Göring's Grand Cross - What Happened to Göring's Valuable Medals?

Hermann Göring was the only recipient of the Grand Cross of the Iron Cross. After he surrendered to the US Army in May 1945, he medals and decorations were taken from him and many, including his Grand Cross, disappeared. Worth today around $120,000, can its fate by discovered?
Dr. Mark Felton FRHistS is a well-known British historian, the author of 22 non-fiction books, including bestsellers 'Zero Night' and 'Castle of the Eagles', both currently being developed into movies in Hollywood. In addition to writing, Mark also appears regularly in television documentaries around the world, including on The History Channel, Netflix, National Geographic, Quest, American Heroes Channel and RMC Decouverte. His books have formed the background to several TV and radio documentaries. More information about Mark can be found at: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Fe...
Visit my audio book channel 'War Stories with Mark Felton': • One Thousand Miles to ...
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Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of Mark Felton Productions. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. Mark Felton Productions does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, violence or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.
Main Sources: 'Diamond Pilot/Observer' by Christopher Ailsby (Wehrmacht-Awards.com); 'The Goering Surrender Medals' by W.C. Stump (2002)
Credits: US National Archives; Library of Congress; Bundesarchiv; Lovelron; Killingfresh; Patxi Aguedo; coolvalley; Bruce Marvin; Gary Lee Todd; Berlin-George; Quintus Fabius Maximus

[@nodarkthings]

When you decide to watch just one Mark Felton video before bed and 2 hours later you're still at it at 2am...

[@groupersti]

If you're lucky...Guys got me addicted...LOL

[@barrygower6733]

Before the War, my mum worked in a South London laundry that took in the washing from the German Legation. One day, when preparing some clothes for the wash, she found a pair of cuff links still on the sleeves of a dress shirt. They were of a swastika design in solid gold. She handed them to her supervisor who returned them to the Legation. A few days later, a thank you note, along with some flowers and a box of chocolates, was received at the laundry. The note had been signed by Ribbentrop who expressed his gratitude for the return of the links that had been a personal gift to him from AH. I often wonder what I might now have possessed, had she not have been such an honest young lady.

[@pagodebregaeforro2803]

I Wouldn't blame her either.

[@Smarterthanyou-mthrfkr]

You would have grown up perhaps a lesser man had she not have shown you such integrity !:).

[@djangorheinhardt]

Why do commentators discussing the looting and robbing of German high rank decorations always use the sanitizing term " liberating " It was just plain robbing ,thieving and looting by the Allies .Just remember " the truth will set you free " !But as drunken Winston Churchill said once in a rare moment of sobriety ," The first casualty of war is the truth "

[@Smarterthanyou-mthrfkr]

@@djangorheinhardt yep, the truth is, the west we’re scared of germanys monumental rise to power before ww1, and had to find reasons to mess with them. The banksters won the war, everyone died.

[@Smarterthanyou-mthrfkr]

@@djangorheinhardt yep, the truth is, the west we’re scared of germanys monumental rise to power before ww1, and had to find reasons to mess with them. The banksters won the war, everyone died.

[@HughesEnterprises]

I visited a private collection once that contained Goehring’s wedding sword, several of his daggers, and medals. Like you mentioned the quality is unmistakable. Creepy is an understatement when they’re not behind glass and you can handle them.

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

I can imagine. I was at a gun show several years ago where an exhibitor was selling articles from Hitler's Berghof estate. Nothing really shocking, just various types of china and silverware with Nazi Party eagles souvenired by GI's. I have to admit I was just a little creeped-out by the things. I have no interest in owning anything like that but if other people do it's of no concern to me. Honestly I don't want anything around that might have been handled by the arch-fiend. I once handled an autographed (by you-know-who) copy of "Mein Kampf" and THAT creeped me out! And everyone else around me too! I can tell the story if anyone wants to hear it.

[@DelGTAGrndrs]

@@wayneantoniazzi2706 very good that you can appreciate it! Historical objects to me hold a lot of power in them. I have an original flag of every major country to fight in WW2. The German one isn’t hung up on a proud display or anything like that, but when I do take a look at it, it still gives me chills to this day.

[@wiedzmin8204]

@@DelGTAGrndrs Surely you the soviet one is not hanged up?

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

@@DelGTAGrndrs I understand. I've got a Nazi wall banner someone gave me 50 years ago. It's part of my own flag collection (American and foreign, real and replica) but I keep it folded up in a container and never display it. It doesn't give me chills though, it's just there. I'll add I can't see the point of destroying history artifacts, no matter what they are. What good does that do? If someone wants to do something of meaning find a small part of the world around you that needs improving and get to it, it'll do a lot more good than destroying an artifact of a regime that was destroyed itself decades ago.

[@HughesEnterprises]

@@wayneantoniazzi2706 This collector was somewhat eccentric. His whole house was full of historical artifacts. Daggers laying on the side tables, flintlock pistols in the kitchen, authentic medieval swords propped up in the corners. Over 200 rifles in racks on display. Basement had the nazi section, a dozen K98 sniper rifles, MG42, various pistols some engraved, etc. But he mostly collected US civil war stuff. Had an example of every rifle and pistol used in the war, a dozen different complete officers uniforms on mannequins, stuff that rivals what’s on display at the Smithsonian. All in a nondescript suburban house and his neighbors had no idea. I was there working buying some guns he was selling, ended up buying a few dozen pieces from him.

[@VeritasOmniaVincit176]

It’s absolutely ridiculous at this point that KZbin still penalizes historic videos using a certain symbol on the thumbnail without blurring it. Edit: apparently, YT changed this rule, because the thumbnail isn’t blurred anymore.

[@fifthward1983]

yet they dont have a problem with the hammer and sickle.

[@lok777]

Almost looks like a little anus was blurred out in the middle of the swastika......

[@lemko1968]

@@fifthward1983 a symbol of equal if not greater evil.

[@robertlaube574]

@@lemko1968 the german symbol is older than ww2 and was stolen, it actually has other meanings. People these days are the biggest () in history.

[@barrackhussein464]

@@lemko1968 Genocide isn't a competition buddy.

[@gigachad7153]

As they say- "The British fight for the Queen, the Japanese for the Emperor, the Germans for the Fuhrer and the Americans for souvenirs!"

[@vincentyeo88]

Yes, Americans fought for souvenirs. Kelly's Heroes fought for free enterprise, and they liberated a truckload full of gold bullion. 🤣🙃🤣

[@katalinjuhasz641]

@@vincentyeo88 ZABRÁLÁS , RABLÁS, MINT MINDEN HÁBORUBAN, CSAK A MEGALÁZÁS A CÉL, KAPITULÁLNI....

[@olavwilhelm6843]

god knows how many priced missing artefacts are hanging in private american homes today . I remember the discovery of a Claude Monet painting above a sofa in a texan Trailer park

[@brenobassocenci6571]

Agreed

[@CultgentlemanJack]

Go America.. good on them they deserved trophies.. the nazi raped Europe of all it’s treasure. Why not the Americans.. you also forgot the Russians they where prolific Looters. They also earned the right after what Germany did. And it’s war go the trophies and spoils of war to the victors.

[@Chuckles..]

Mark Felton confirms what I decided about ww2 some time ago, the amount of interesting stories of the era are non-ending, and Mark tells these stories beautifully.

[@largol33t1]

He is a fantastic story teller. I could listen to this guy talk about how books are made and it would still sound a bit interesting!

[@jonossell121]

The second greatest story ever told and we don't know half of it

[@MikehMike01]

WW2 was super cool Today, barf

[@DavidRodriguez-go9es]

Out of an entire sea of interesting stories, this one stands out for me. I can only imagine all the back room deals, theft attempts, and the stories tied to these metals - before and after they were handed out! Bravo! You have access to history that no one else will touch. The level of detail during your research, is still unsurpassed! 😊

[@xxvvkx9312]

"Attempts" ?? They WERE all stolen (by the americans)

[@DavidRodriguez-go9es]

@@xxvvkx9312 And apparently the British! 😆

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

There was one medal Goering angled for, the Knight's Cross of the War Merit Cross, awarded for distinguished non-combat achievement. However Goering tried to get it late in the war and Hitler had had enough of Goering's foul-ups, so he turned him down cold.

[@blueslime1703]

Medals*

[@Chivaltic]

Finland also decorated Göring with some interesting piece's; He first received Grand Cross of the Order of the White Rose in 1935, Göring also got married in 1935 and you can see him wearing the sash and star on he's wedding picture. He's Grand Cross of the White Rose was upgraded to a Collar in 1941 and he received Grand Cross of the Order of the Cross of Liberty with Swords in 1942. You can see breast badges of both decoration at 7:54 picture (top left and right corners). Last one he received is a one of a kind piece; Finnish Air Force Pilot Badge in Diamonds, only one ever made. Sadly the badge was lost during the war, I have only seen a picture and a drawing of it, but the award book survived and was auctioned in Stuttgart by Medalhouse on 29 March 2008.

[@Roller_Ghoster]

Never a dull moment when you get a video on WW2 on a Friday. Thats heaven for me.

[@TheLeviteces]

There are so many history channels on KZbin lately, however none come close to the levels of engagement I feel when watching one of your videos dr felton. Thank you for this,

[@PETERNESS]

As a young Dutch boy growing up in the North of The Netherlands i remember some of my elders proudly wearing shiny medals once or maybe twice a year ,i asked my father why Opa never wears hes medals as he was in the war and the same answer was always repeated back ,Opa wore a brown shirt and the medals he has are dirty ,i know now what my father meant ,my wifes Grandfather who is English and a true hero stormed a beach head in France called Sword, kept all hes medals and war stories to himself and it wasnt till a few years back after he passed away at 98 that it became clear what a great man he was ,polar opposites to my own opa ,thankyou for all you do Mr Felton this really is one of my favourite youtube channels

[@jurgenteuer4786]

Your Opa was on the right side. Thanks to the beach storming heros Europa is destroyed

[@PETERNESS]

@@jurgenteuer4786 You should thank the beach storming heroes everyday ,as they have given you the freedom for you to share your opinion,thankyou for your input have a nice day

[@claytonbenignus4688]

I agree with the theory that Goering had a copy of each medal for each of his uniforms, and therefore many copies must exist.

[@ericscottstevens]

Goering did make a bold stand at the Volga. A request was put in to turn all Luftwaffe ground personnel and air gunnery crews into Infantry to stem the Soviet advance in the Caucus withdrawal. Luftwaffe Infantry was also sought to go in and help in the fight for Stalingrad. Goering flatly refused the idea, it would have decimated Luftflotte 4 entire aviation specialists and repair crews. This rejection probably saved my Grandfathers life while with Stab/Erg.Gruppe St.G.77 in Nikolayev.

[@mathewdasilva4421]

@@stomper5432 a nazi ?

[@rbilleaud]

Definitely would have been a futile gesture, and counterproductive.

[@MrOuija-rr8kq]

That’s so bold of Goering to call the shots from his diamond encrusted throne and then commit suicide when he had to face the music.

[@nedrain9044]

@@MrOuija-rr8kq He faced the music, and took his life only just before execution so as to deny his captors the satisfaction. His death was as honorable as possible under the circumstances.

[@rbilleaud]

@@nedrain9044 no honor in taking your own life. Cowards way out. Far better to stand tall in the gallows and take the punishment you deserve. I have more respect for those men.

[@historyarmyproductions]

I've wondered this myself. Thank you for bringing light to it, and trying to answer the question. Well done as always, Dr. Felton. :)

[@bigblue6917]

Me too.

[@Stephen-lt1tp]

Would it be fair to say: Victoria cross= the medal of honor. George cross= distinguished service cross, The DSO = the Silver star, the MC =the bronze star, I was always upset Britain never had a version of the wound medal or infantry badge.

[@heresjohnny1219]

@@Stephen-lt1tp George cross is the same as the Victoria cross with the only exception being that the George cross is for gallantry not in the face of the enemy whereas the Victoria cross is for gallantry in the face of the enemy , the distinguished service cross (US) is for gallantry in the face of the enemy but doesn’t warrant the medal of honour

[@robertantony2441]

See how to recording

[@robertantony2441]

Those were the day$&#

[@gregoryschmidt1233]

When he first surrendered and was given respect, food and cigars, I'll bet he was thinking, "I might come out of this okay after all..."

[@katalinjuhasz641]

BIZTOS VOLT BENNE, NEM VOLT BÜNÖS..

[@muskokamike127]

The thing that I never understood is: why were the military leaders punished? If they say ordered the execution of captured civilians and soldiers, yes, that's a war crime but the act of waging war itself isn't a crime, otherwise every country on earth would be guilty of this. (especially the US and the UK). UK -> Germany "we're trying you for the crime of waging war and invading x countries and trying to invade the UK" Germany: "yeah, hello pot? this is the kettle calling, you're black" How many countries did the UK invade?

[@AudieHolland]

When I was looking into Iron Crosses at collectors' websites, I read somewhere that it was common practice for medal recipients to have more duplicates made so they could wear them on different uniforms without having to change the medals all the time. Also, the medals the wore on their combat uniform were not the original ones because of course they could be easily damaged, not just during a battle but by a door slamming into them or some other unfortunate collissions with walls etc. The original medal that they received were safely kept at home and probably only worn during very special occasions. Or they had duplicates for their dress uniform also because now I'm thinking more and more that the original medals must have been so very precious to the recipients and their families (in case the recipient was killed in action, for instance). Anyway, my conclusion is that German military medals during World War II were more than just medals, they were literally part of the uniform, just like ordinary buttons were.

[@ericoberlies7537]

Indeed, some of Nazi Germany’s higher awards seemed to take the form of badges, many with subdued finishes, more suitable for wear on battle dress uniforms.

[@ericoberlies7537]

Even as an Enlisted/NCO in the 1980s and early 1990s, we all had extra ribbons and duplicate medals.

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

That's true. In the German Army medals from the Iron Cross First Class and up became a permanent part of the uniform. Many holders of the Knight's Cross actually wore a Second Class Iron Cross on a ribbon at the neck to save wear and tear on the real one. In the field no-one cared.

[@oWallis]

We still do that today with the ribbon racks we wear on dress uniforms. Its alot easier to get a few sets of them made and just keep them on one thing.

[@getredytagetredy]

My Zionist friends concur

[@RootsRockRebel]

It's the level of detail that Dr. Felton brings to his videos that makes him the best historian on KZbin.

[@cocainecarl7814]

Thank you for all of the amazing content you put out, Dr. Felton!

[@MichaelKingsfordGray]

Coward.

[@davidbarr9343]

Fascinating.War medals are a very interesting subject, especially when you can research the history behind the individual awards. Thank you again, Dr. Felton.👏

[@bengardiner3867]

As an Enlisted Soldier in the U.S. Army in the 1980s, we used to have monthly Dress uniform inspections. Handling the cloth ribbons would get them soiled and we would purchase multiple ribbons each year either to look "perfect" or to keep the leadership off our buts. So hearing about multiple/ duplicate awards is not surprising when this individual spent so much time wearing his dress uniform. How he attained them in the first place is always irksome

[@ericoberlies7537]

Agreed. I used to have ribbons for my jackets, others for my short and long sleeve shirts (an AR 670-1 change while I was in). I still have my duplicate medals and miniatures, along with my Dad’s from the Pacific, boxed away in my garage.

[@katalinjuhasz641]

nem ugy mint te most...

[@coleman4840]

Yet another high-quality masterpiece. Well done Dr. Felton!

[@anthonyconway64]

A another great historic video, Thank You Mark Felton for your willingness to bring out videos every week and I like it so much so keep on doing it.

[@XYZ-bi9eb]

Nobody else can make such thoroughly researched WW2 documentaries like Dr. Felton. Thank you, sir!

[@2000ViperGTSsubscribe]

I was with Christine Wittmann when I was on active duty in 1989 to 1992. Her dad is Thomas Wittman and all I can say is things I saw at one one visit to her dad's home were insane. It was a vault, if it were anywhere it would be in his hands. Enough said, but not saying anything he does or does not have it, but MY LORD my eyes are still i shock. He was nice to me, but reserved and I suspect as the family in general thought I was not good enough for his daughter as an enlisted military man. Mr. Felton I adore your historical videos and you are an asset to the world.

[@brianb2837]

You learn an incredible amount about history thanks to Dr. Felton. Thanks so much Mark and have a great day!

[@Dionaea_floridensis]

Love you Dr. Felton! I made a new friend at the gym because we learned that we both listen to your videos when we work out hahahaha

[@JM-ke1xm]

Another fantastic production. Dr Felton’s work is of unsurpassed quality and his educational reach is simply unmeasurable.

[@bobbymay8618]

thank you for detailing in depth every step of his medals.. this sort of thing makes my heart race tbh. i always look forward to your videos. and me and my friends use your opening tune often anytime we start talking about history !

[@donl1846]

Thank you, Professor Felton, for this historical account of what happen to Goring's medals, fascinating story !!

[@jogzyg2036]

WW2 is the guest round on next week's pub quiz so I will be binge watching your channel over the coming days.

[@molanlabexm15]

Okay, lets see how much support this gets. Video Idea: Where are Skorzeny's Gran Sasso Raid Watches?

[@Looter217]

Man, this channel is perfect to listen to while on the long drive to work. Keep up the good work, Dr Felton!

[@djphlange]

definitely liking these medal videos! always fascinated with all the different types, shapes, colors , meanings etc

[@qgde3rty8uiojh90]

It's almost beyond words what you do, Felton. These videos' content remains as good as ever and the production quality is also a reliable constant. AND IT'S ALL FOR EFFING FREE !!! 👍😋👏😎👊🥳

[@5ynth3ticNZ]

Which is why I hope he has got 95k free coffee vouchers in his inbox

[@Markos581973]

I'm beyond words regarding your oral technique.

[@glenngosline3303]

No one tells military stories better than Mark. Thank you.

[@irish3335]

What an amazing story! I wish I was around when these items were still floating around, just to hear the stories from the source who “requisitioned” them!

[@jamie7026]

Another great video, the medal information on the iron cross is spot on as is the personal history of Goring, but the medals are reproductions , the player at 1.44 mins is a cheap 1970s copy, the knights coss is another well known copy, the dipping eye type, and oversize loop, shown at 1.57 are classic for this copy. On the awards, the grand cross of the iron cross , there are more than one made. Several were also made for museum display. Being made by Juncker, zimmermann and from Rudolf Souval for museum display. On the pilots badge with diamonds, goring gave these out to high ranking foreign officers also. His though is in the hand of a well known uk collector and is on the front cover of his book. Also some of his items were used in the film battle of Britain, and there is a video on his shoulder emblems being a 1 minute short . A great video though, really enjoyed it, thank you.

[@williamcooper2415]

It's truly surprising how many historical artifacts was either destroyed or stolen back in their days.

[@jasdog71]

Back then they were not yet historical and many carried bad memories for many people. After 6 years of war I can see why people would not want anything to do with it kept for the future.

[@CH-zp2rh]

They were not destroyed, they were stolen

[@vincentyeo88]

They were liberated or picked up by souvenir collectors. 🙃🤣

[@katalinjuhasz641]

@@CH-zp2rh MINDENT ELLOPTAK, FELBECSÜLHETETLEN TÖRTÉNELMI ÉS PRIVÁT ÉRTÉKEKET a nagy szövetségesek

[@Lerxstification]

No cameras everywhere back then, way easier to make small items disappear!

[@kman-mi7su]

I am glad that stuff still exists and wasn't destroyed as ordered. Like it or not, it's first and foremost HISTORY and needs to be preserved.

[@SteveMikre44]

Mark always seems come up with interesting and thought provoking historical content...

[@MrPh30]

A episode or series about Görings personal weapon collection and the use of them in the field on some of the best game hunting Europe has ever seen would be a excellent one as those pieces is some of the best quality and workmanship craft also.

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

It'd be interesting to see where his extensive gun collection went to. The research on that would be exhausting so I wouldn't blame anyone for not even trying. If they went to the Berchtesgaden area with the rest of the Carinhall collections it wouldn't surprise me if some were souvenired by GIs, but unless they're marked with Goering's name just a simple "My grandfather got it after the war and said it was Goerings!" wouldn't cut it.

[@allangibson2408]

Goering was also responsible for specification of the Luftwaffe survival rifles - Drilling’s with walnut stocks and fine blued barrels in cased sets in each bomber aircraft… Seriously nice guns.

[@animalc7]

Can't thank you enough for your hard work. best channel on the Tube!

[@davidpeters7947]

Mark, I recall visiting basil harr”s Burn out home back in the 70s it was well known after the fact that he had all these German collectibles including German automobiles which were still on the property in a burnt out condition. I had friends that had found burnt and melted items from the property it’s really hard to say how much stuff was carried off from the burned ruins

[@seanheaney8303]

I didn't think you would know this story so well. The story of the Majors son having the medals and then there untimely demise is a fairly unknown story outside of the 3rd Reich medal collecting circle. As always you never cease to amaze me Dr Felton! I've know this story for over 15 and never seen it publicly discussed. Besides in a few forums somewhat buried. Well done!

[@jimc.goodfellas226]

Goering is a fascinating figure from history...always interesting to learn new things from the good doctor

[@gabriellen.2886]

Thank you once again, Prof. Felton. A fascinating story, full of human slyness, mendacity, and greed. If those medals could speak - oh, the stories they would tell. 🤨

[@invictus3598]

This is a terrific presentation regarding Goring's medals and awards. Thank you!

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

Great history Dr. Felton! You're a master storyteller! (Which is what a history teacher SHOULD be!)

[@thEannoyingE]

Always wanted you to do more videos on Göring, he has such strange obsessions, I see many more videos in the future, thanks.

[@worstenbroodje2763]

Thanks once again for the great video Mark! Have a good weekend.

[@johnbockelie3899]

" Goering , we want you to remove all of your medals....that's an order." " Ok, ....i believe this will take about an hour to do however."

[@tonydobosiewicz]

Mr.Felton. This is by far your best video. Absalutly amazing.

[@lorrycamill6502]

Thanks 🙏 to Mark Felton for sharing this wonderful history

[@marcushume2240]

Mr Felton. I have to say that you have a silver tongue when you speak of war history. Always interesting. Thank you for your hard work and dedication.

[@davida.logansr1692]

Dr. Felton!

[@mishecketengani7418]

Now an addict of the channel!!

[@jensenwilliam5434]

Thank you for making videos of the past and saving history! Again thank you!!!

[@The105ODST]

Thanks Mark for the upload.

[@josephbingham1255]

Very interesting. I myself saw some interesting items an Airborne trooper had brought back from the Obersalzberg. Remnants of a once mighty empire that still turn up from time to time.

[@War_Dog_Films]

Another amazing video! You are on a roll Dr. Felton, keep it up! 👍

[@royboy9361]

WW2, and the American Civil War, are my absolute favorite subjects, and this channel is a favorite as well.

[@johnschofield9496]

Thank you Mark. As always, a deep and fascinating moment in history.

[@snakerog]

The most fascinating thing about Goring to me was the fact he was so sure of himself and felt he was so important that he thought right up until his execution order was read that he was going to be treated like royalty.

[@vk2ig]

A real narcissist. Not surprising.

[@pagodebregaeforro2803]

He should have been put to clean prisons toilets in underwear.

[@lucasgroves137]

No, it's clear that he realised he'd vastly miscalculated his importance much earlier than that. There's no mistaking the look on his face the day he was required to surrender his gun and medals.

[@jensnitsche4994]

Göring war als einem der wenigen Naziführer schon sehr früh bewusst, dass die Politik Hitlers in den Abgrund führen würde. Aber er war zu schwach, um sich der Magie des " Führers" zu entziehen...

[@hinaynihorvath3926]

he is long gone to hell now

[@PurpleCat9794]

Thanks for the great video. It was posted 36 minutes ago, and 7k views. Insane!

[@terrioestreich4007]

As always, wonderful episode!

[@matthoward8546]

Always fantastic. The best produced thing I have found on KZbin.

[@joeviking61]

One cannot help but to admire Goring. He was larger than life and a true Warrior

[@viike1736]

u r sick

[@viike1736]

u r sick

[@edgaraquino2324]

A most interesting video - Goering was a interesting character - brave, jovial, ruthless & sinister all in one package...most unfortunate that these artifacts could not be more fully authenticated & preserved...Is there any information concerning Heidrich's medals & decorations?

[@oceanichimself4603]

Heydrich was buried with his medals - but his grave was also robbed after the war. No collector can claim in public to have his medals as a result, so we will never know who owns them.

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

@@oceanichimself4603 Really? That's interesting. I know the monument over his grave was demolished by the Soviets and his grave is unmarked to this day. Maybe the Russians stole the medals? Not that it matters.

[@wolfmauler]

He wasn't buried with them, or at least not the originals. His widow Lena Heydrich retained them, along with his death mask and the uniform he wore during the assassination attempt, among other artifacts owned by him. She kept a virtual shrine to his memory in her house where she died on the island of Feymarn. The German researcher Frank Brandenburg was probably the last person to interview her in the mid 1980's, before her death and was these things by the widow. She even presented Frank with one of the ceramic candle holders, used by the SS during their Yule/Solstice celebrations, that Reinhardt had given to her. But what became of Heydrich's decorations after Lena's passing would best be answered by her children, though she noted in her final interview, that they had distanced themselves from her Nazi past completely.

[@klausschreyer7062]

Yah you'll never find those types in USA Government

[@markl4673]

And what would heidrich be awarded / decorated for?

[@amham48]

As per usual, deep and exhaustive detail on the subject yet succinct to fit the KZbin video format.

[@motorTranz]

Fascinating story! Thank you Dr. Felton!

[@HTN3]

Thanks for connecting the evasive dots of history in yet another compelling video, Mark!

[@spacefinn]

Mark Felton is the antidote to Discovery Channel Reality Trash. I enjoy every single video!

[@mihaisirbu1]

I was actually thinking about this medal today... Nice timing Dr!

[@DelGTAGrndrs]

Mark, you’re a great listen on extremely long treks for work. Your content is just like a podcast!

[@TheIndustrialRetrospective]

Dr Felton, can you make a video about Carinhall? (Keep the Goring videos coming please!)

[@BoxiesAU]

There must be some crazy private collections around the world. Some with rich collectors, some with sons and grandsons of the guys who were actually there. Just nuts

[@mitchmatthews6713]

As always, thank you, Mark!

[@Go4Corvette]

Thanks for another great video, Mark

[@marvwatkins7029]

Many medals were indeed ' liberated'. Someone may be sitting in a small fortune of surviving 'lost' ones, perhaps unaware of their value.

[@aka99]

Propaply

[@Randy-ew1ku]

Perhaps

[@tim7052]

About 30yrs ago I read of a Victoria Cross being located and returned to the recipients family for next to nothing. A relative of the VC winner tracked the medal's journey to the then present owner living in the US - a young man in his late teens. This guy confirmed that he did have what he described as "an Iron Coss" with some other medals. Excited, the researcher asked what would he like as a swap for the medals. The young guy asked for a stereo system!! One was sent immediately, and the VC group duly arrived by courier. I read that the researcher who sealed this amazing deal, and holds the VC group, was Ian Goodenough, a Councillor for Wanneroo City Council. 👍

[@pagodebregaeforro2803]

Once I commented that I would have stolen the decorations of those nazis (Rudel's video, in this case a hard nazi till death) as spoils of war for risking MY life if I was a GI back then and some ball lickers immediately sided with the "poor" uniformed guy, their hero, to call me things.. lol what a bunch of little fans, men-praiser are pathetic.

[@davemartino5997]

Doubtful especially with internet these days

[@tonyrobb8815]

Interesting!...I knew a German Officer (Rank and Service is confidential) he lived close to me,he was elderly and not well,I offered to do his shopping ,which I did for a few years,before he passed on...then I received a phone call from his Solicitor,asking if I was the person who helped him over his final years,I said yes ,his Solicitor made an appointment with me as the old gentleman had left me a bag of medals...I understand he had been a Commanding Officer ,and his group had made a sort of Tontine that whoever,was the last to survive would have all the "Group" Medals,he was the last survivor...my bag contained 24 Iron Crosses (1st and 2nd Class)...I have now put them in a box,and when I pass on, will be donated to the local War Museum...(One point >>rumour had it he was in the German Navy...I now know he was not in the Navy)

[@christopherfritz3840]

Don't donate them. Some modern Bolshevik burrocrat will get hold of them and destroy them. Sell them to a collector ☠

[@David-yo5ws]

You must have made a great impression obviously. Dedication in helping someone out who is not a part of your family, is sometimes rewarded in surprising ways. I am glad you are going to be a caretaker of those medals. And we hope that before you pass, that you can make some notes to pass on to the museum.

[@MrTruckerf]

Please give them to the museum on loan now, along with all that you know of the man and the medals various owners. It is an important part of history. They may have been awarded medals for despicable things, but time has a way of healing all wounds, no matter how deep at the time they were committed. If your house would burn or be robbed, these artifacts would be lost. Others such as myself are interested in seeing things from this point in history. The people who were alive when the war was being waged will all be gone soon, within 20 years. Most soldiers are gone already.

[@grayparatrooper]

Put them on display not just in a box we would like to see them. I would also put who they came from if you ahve his name it doesnt need to be secret it doesnt matter it also ads provenance to where they came from. Also dont donate them to a museum but LOAN it as they easily lose and have stuff stolen all the time museums also have giant stores of items that never see the light of day.

[@joelynott7360]

The fact that those fortunate enough to have survived the war and actually got to meet and have conversations with people like Goering, Karl Donitz, Rudolf Hess and others just blows my mind. How fortunate they were to have experienced that, even though it did come with a high price.

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

One of the US Army doctors at the Nuremburg trials said that most of the defendants spoke English, so it wasn't difficult to speak with them. Makes sense, most were well-educated men. In fact, the military defendants like Goering, Keitel, and others were interviewed by US Army historians who once they were able to convince those men they were historians and not part of the prosecution team gathering evidence found them quite talkative. I met one of those doctors back in the 1980s but had NO idea he was at Nuremberg. Just as well, I'd have driven the poor man crazy with questions!

[@albertaaardvark966]

Makes my comment on your previous video on the July 20th wound badge seem all psychic like. Another great video.

[@eleanorkett1129]

Another excellent presentation.

[@jillnoseworthy7161]

Another brilliant video Dr Felton

[@fuyu5979]

Fantastic story n intrigue. Dig ur well researched n written story with the archival films n pictures to accompany this vid. Always fascinating ur uploads. Kudos.

[@danschneider9921]

I am lucky enough to own a WW2 Knights Cross of the Iron Cross. My grandfather was a member of the MP Platoon of the 36th ID, he was of Silesian German decent and spoke German so was often called upon to interrogate "higher end" prisoners when captured by the division before they were passed on to higher authorites. Unfortunately he didn't record or recall whom it came from- but it came from a Heer Oberst that was captured in Apr '45 and my grandfather "took with some prejudice" the cross and a riding crop carried by the officer. It was passed on to me when he passed away about 15 years ago.

[@barrykevin7658]

Thanks, A fascinating story.

[@Monarchist94]

Yeah you’re Grandpa was a thief.

[@MrTruckerf]

It would be nice if you could trace it to the original recipient. Too bad there isn't a number, date or name inscribed on it. It would increase the value quite a lot.

[@divinity1371]

"…a quite literal larger-than-life person." Amazing line.

[@bulltraderpt]

Always good to hear what gems of WW2 you have found!

[@jaredevildog6343]

Very interesting video Dr. Felton. Thank you!

[@mrnygren2]

I believe Goring was playing on the oldschool ethics between pilots that said pilots should treat each other with respect. He gambled on being able to charm the Americans and did succeed in charming the lower ranked generals but not the people at the top. He was a WW1 hero pilot as stated in the video. That might be impressive in the eyes of military servicemen.

[@xminusone1]

Being an air force veteran from ww1 alone is impressive. Let alone an ace.

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

There's a saying in the military: "When in doubt, The Book prevails!" When Goering was captured and with no directives from higher authority the generals on the spot followed "The Book" and treated Goering with the courtesy they'd extend to any captured general, especially one with the equivalent rank of an American five-star general. Needless to say the directives of what to do with Goering came down pretty quickly!

[@Bigsky1991]

I shared a cab from the Airport to the Max show with the US Army Officer that was implicated in having given Göring the Cyanide capsule that he used to commit suicide. Rumors about many of Görings medals abound in the collector scene and who ended up with them. I do know that his jewel encrusted Reichsjägermeister dagger was found in a ditch near Görings house that was destroyed in an 8th AAF raid on his Obersalzberg home. It's believed the bulk of his various uniforms and daggers were in that house.

[@1JamesMayToGoPlease]

I thought Carinhall was the motherlode?

[@Father.of.Red.China15]

we defeated the wrong enemy - general george s. patton

[@xxvvkx9312]

​@@Father.of.Red.China15 : Thankyou for posting that. lt always makes me feel a little less alone when l see Someone else out there Knows The Truth

[@Father.of.Red.China15]

@@xxvvkx9312 in germany you go straight to prison if you even dare to talk about it lmfao 😂 there are a lot of old germans who will tell you a completly different story, but its too late history already has been written

[@xxvvkx9312]

@@Father.of.Red.China15: Yes. Truth is against the law & fiction is "history"

[@mikeybraz915]

Great video. Keep'em coming

[@MrHiBeta]

Mark, Thanks for making this video. Everyone wants a piece of history- no mater the back story.

[@maubunky1]

Does anyone else remember seeing a nice collection of Goring memorabilia (uniforms, medals and more) in Phoenix, Arizona in the late 90s, early 2000's? It was displayed behind glass at a small air museum I believe that was Falcon Field, where there was a nice collection of WW2 fighter aircraft. Parts of that collection moved on to somewhere else soon after I saw it.

[@howardkingston7901]

The American officer who 'liberated' Goering's medals then lied about it should retrospectively have his service record amended 'Dishonorable Discharge' and this sent to his current family!

[@TP-kr5dp]

Why??? So he liberated some fabulous treasures from a war criminal. All soldiers are incurable souvenir hounds (myself included). Should the Major have pilfered the medals? Probably not. But he shouldn't be tarred and feathered for it.

[@j0nnyism]

Wow plenty of servicemen did the same thing at the end of WW2. You’d have to dishonourably discharge a lot of men

[@vincentyeo88]

He was a treasure hunter who brought in prized assets into the country and thereafter enhanced the country's GDP and economy. 💰🤣

[@Madridme3]

Extremely well done Mark...

[@waggsish]

You did it again Mark! What a story!

[@dindu551]

Phenomenal, Mark. Your contributions to posterity are priceless, truly. You are, I think, the first modern historian to achieve the first rank. Legend.

[@JohnB-le2pi]

As a former collector of 3rd Reich memorabilia, I find this video fascinating! While my collecting focus was combat badges and Iron Crosses, I also had several daggers, headgear, dozens of tunic eagles, etc.... I had always hoped to stumble upon a veteran bring back attributed to a prominent figure, but that never happened. The closest I came was that I once held a signet ring authenticated to have belonged to Goring that a friend and fellow collector owned. Thanks again for the great video!

[@ABC-48483]

I have something pretty cool, is there any way I can share with u?

[@MrTruckerf]

@@ABC-48483 No

[@IrishManJT]

Mark, you deserve a medal for you work.

[@MrTruckerf]

A Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Diamonds, tinsel, acorns and bananas!

[@Eric_Von_Yesselstyn]

Another very interesting and well done video, thank you!

[@Chiller01]

This is and example of the semi sleazy side of collectors. These medals are valuable because of scarcity and their association with men responsible for despicable events. The inadvertent destruction of many of the medals in a house fire with no one profiting further is poetic justice.

[@ProjectInfinity1]

How do you mean? I’ve been to the show of shows in Louisville. I have a Iron cross 2nd class that is in it’s original (but very tattered paper). I also had a cased Iron cross 1st class had sent and sold in Louisville in 2020. How is that sleazy?

[@trossk]

@@ProjectInfinity1 I think what he means are those collectors that get any and everything they can and hide it away so nobody can see/use it. Same type that will buy a Ferrari, drive it 5 miles a year and just let it sit in a garage .

[@garywagner2466]

Hmm. Surely a collector who paid for the collection is free to do whatever he or she likes with it. While it would be one option to make provisions in a will for inheritance or donation, a fire destroying the collection is clearly beyond the collector’s control. Uncountable valuables were destroyed during the war, never to be seen or enjoyed again. That is the nature of war. To the victor go the spoils.