The Rarest Nazi Medal? 20th July 1944 Wound Badge

On 20th July 1944, Count von Stauffenberg tried to Kill Hitler at the Wolf's Lair with a bomb. Afterwards, Hitler decreed that a special wound badge be issued to the 24 killed and wounded officers who had been present. This is now one of the rarest and most valuable medals in existence today.
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 ...
Help support my channel:
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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.
Credits: US National Archives; Library of Congress; Bundesarchiv; Adam Carr; Devilsanddust; Alfons Heiderich

[@croonyerzoonyer]

“No not tonight Honey, Mark Felton just uploaded a new video.”

[@ryz8]

Best spend your 9 minutes a better way eh lmao

[@DJJ81]

At least not for the next 9 to 14 minutes….

[@hardcaselj111]

If you're a real Mark felton fan, you have sex to mark felton videos

[@JGD185]

​@@SeatSniffer1945 "I just wish you would listen to me the way you listen to Mark"

[@brotjack]

"You wont last as long has his videos either, honey."

[@JakobSeidl]

Single handedly keeping this kind of history alive on KZbin. The only history channel worth bothering with nowadays

[@LarsRyeJeppesen]

Kings & Generals

[@jacksons1010]

Time Ghost’s WW2 series is totally worth your time. More detail than you could ever hope to absorb.

[@j.c.mgomez2515]

Modern History TV is amazing as well!

[@beavis6363]

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.

[@LarsRyeJeppesen]

@@beavis6363 I agree.

[@theuno9799]

It's always quite remarkable how he manages to find so much information on the smallest details in history

[@jm9371]

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.

[@joshuagibson2520]

Books.

[@ottovonbismarck1352]

Considering he’s a historian and this is his profession, he kinda has to.

[@julianshepherd2038]

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

[@WmPryor1]

How about the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Golden Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds. Only one recipient: Hans Ulrich Rudel.

[@Yeah12831]

The line "take another look at Grandpa's wartime bring-backs" was hilarious. Excellent video as always

[@Dian-kb2hg]

Neat lamp...,?

[@Nemenis]

@@Dian-kb2hgtf

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

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]

You should have your own KZbin channel.

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

@@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 KZbin channel would be a mind-blower!

[@FR33STyla72]

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.

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

@@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.

[@septimiusseverus343]

And only 2 recipients of the German Order survived the war - Konstantin Hierl (1875 - 1955) and Artur Axmann (1913 - 1996).

[@alancampbell6236]

My grandpa was a firefighter and he had to serve at the wolfs lair on July 20th. Luckily he survived the war.

[@froseo9]

5:26 the solider is still so devoted to hitler that he raises his arm despite beeing bandaged like that

[@AbuHajarAlBugatti]

Youd never find that in murica

[@obamabinladen4109]

@@AbuHajarAlBugattiThank god

[@thedukeofpaducah9682]

You must of lived in the Library before the internet Mark, your passion for History is astounding.

[@fireboigotti2647]

Paducah Kentucky?

[@thedukeofpaducah9682]

@@fireboigotti2647 Yep.

[@fireboigotti2647]

@@thedukeofpaducah9682 awesome I'm in Cairo illinois

[@1joshjosh1]

Go over to his house and worship him.

[@lucasgroves137]

"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!"

[@War_Dog_Films]

I never knew this existed! Awesome work, Dr. Felton!

[@leemichael2154]

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

[@War_Dog_Films]

@@leemichael2154 no I never knew the award existed 😂

[@leemichael2154]

@@War_Dog_Films 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!

[@War_Dog_Films]

@@leemichael2154 thanks buddy, I’ll take a look 👍

[@simonkevnorris]

I did not know that a special sound badge was created for the survivors of the bomb plot. An interesting story, thanks.

[@thudor1]

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.

[@carterchiaramonte7584]

He did a video on that I believe, or a video that references the pilot and award

[@williamkennedy9641]

There is also the Grand Cross of the Iron Cross, the only WWII receipient being Hermann Goering.

[@thudor1]

@@carterchiaramonte7584 yes, he did. It's titled "Hans-Ulrich Rudel, the Surrender of Germany's Most Decorated Ace, 1945".

[@SirAntoniousBlock]

@@williamkennedy9641 Awarding medals to yourself doesn't count.

[@thurin84]

@@SirAntoniousBlock why not? european nobility has been doing it for centuries!

[@philipmorris6427]

I can imagine the arguments over what counted as a wound.

[@quintrankid8045]

I can't imagine any arguments about that.

[@allenatkins2263]

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.😇

[@michaelandreipalon359]

Calvados?

[@deedeeramone34]

@@michaelandreipalon359 it’s a French apple brandy made in the Calvados region in Normandy

[@michaelandreipalon359]

Ah, I see.

[@MichaelKingsfordGray]

A "case"? That is a dozen bottles, no?

[@SirAntoniousBlock]

_'a case of syphilis'_ Still counts as being injured in action.

[@bobojerry1798]

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).

[@martinhogg5337]

Really interesting subject! Very few people would know about these “wound medals” if it were not for Dr. Felton. Great work doc!

[@mattgibbs73]

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 👍)

[@laxcollapse3328]

Anybody else interested in learning Dr. Felton's research style and process? Or his own background? Just me?

[@bethhentges]

@@madisntit6547 I may need to look that up! Sitting Bull is one of my heroes.

[@AdSd100]

Hitler refused to wear any decorations beside what he received as a soldier in WW1. Now that’s a man with principles.

[@thurin84]

somewhat tarnished by murder 12 million in the death camps and killing millions more starting a world war of aggression. just sayin wehraboo.

[@AdSd100]

@@thurin84 as true as "Ukrainians are winning the war"!

[@thurin84]

@@AdSd100 yep.

[@afridgetoofar1818]

And a handsome man at the that!

[@irish3335]

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!

[@Der-Stahlhelm]

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

[@sensational_cellar8606]

Amazing, how old is he now?

[@Der-Stahlhelm]

@@sensational_cellar8606 99

[@optimusprinceps3526]

I have Adolf Galland's signature, met him at an Air Show in Las Vegas years ago

[@Der-Stahlhelm]

@@optimusprinceps3526 I also have an Signature of Knightscrossholder Hugo Broch , SS Untersturmführer Dr Gerhard Femmpel and Oberleutnant Günther Tlotzlek

[@optimusprinceps3526]

@@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

[@lesames3743]

love how mark finds a great story out of an overlooked little thing. wonderful stuff. love his content and ability to tell a story

[@franciscouderq1100]

May I add that the voice tone itself, it’s tempo and the perfect diction make it all the more enjoyable

[@y_ffordd]

Thats what youtubing is all about young padawan

[@rocksteel44]

...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!!!

[@VodkaRob]

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.

[@BubblewrapHighway]

Hell on Earth.

[@charliefoxtrott1048]

Not 50k$ but 50+$. Not bad.

[@ThePsiclone]

ah well, back to work tomorrow then :D

[@shoutingmuteness3902]

@@ThePsiclone in your prison servant reality

[@alfredroyal3473]

Chances are it was a wound medal if it looked like the one at the start of this video.

[@chasekurry8912]

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~!

[@gordongrant408]

Avoid the history channel. Totally useless.😠

[@siobhancurtis1660]

Another excellent episode. I can hardly believe that you put all this fantastic research and information on KZbin free of charge. Thank you so much for all your time and effort, it is truly appreciated.

[@jasonschweigert8069]

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]

They presented a little over 600 CCC in gold. Rare but not as rare as the 20th July wound badge.

[@jasonschweigert8069]

@@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]

*almost earned the Clasp in gold twice.

[@albertaaardvark966]

@@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.

[@simonpaley3421]

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

[@Roller_Ghoster]

The holy grail of all WW2 German medals.

[@eddiefaccioni2453]

Is that you, Rick Harrison (from Pawn Stars)?

[@IrishCarney]

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.

[@scockery]

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.

[@zinjx]

@@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.

[@djgriffin7393]

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.

[@thurin84]

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.

[@billb89]

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.

[@Clinsure]

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.

[@sbs2798uu]

Thanks for sharing

[@Marktk72]

Are you sure it was artillery or a 9mm?

[@michaelrumfelt3106]

Lmao. Some wont get that

[@andrewkapp9909]

LMAO

[@jb6027]

@@Marktk72 I see what you did there. Well played, sir!

[@matthewwhitmore8450]

Please do more videos about badges and medals ! I collect a lot of German medals and badges but have never heard of these before

[@tracytrawick322]

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.

[@__tachibana8072]

You can cosplay and display all badges on your shirt when you are outside walking

[@wwiihistorybuff6260]

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,

[@jujuUK68]

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.......

[@NandiCollector]

*As a numismatic collector myself, I'm really curious to see more videos about this topic.*

[@shoutingmuteness3902]

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.

[@chillywilly5258]

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.

[@Mark_Cook]

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.

[@jeffkujawa803]

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

[@jeffkujawa803]

@@Mark_Cook Never been in war is what I meant to say

[@reviewerman9786]

@@Mark_Cook they were well supplied and protected from above. Makes a difference

[@christyhart8254]

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]

Sleeping with the enemy

[@aramisortsbottcher8201]

@@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 :)

[@thurin84]

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.

[@isntezbncheezy7326]

@@aramisortsbottcher8201 lmao I was totally just teasing him, I was drunk at like 4am when I saw his comment 🤣

[@socomply5963]

@@isntezbncheezy7326 no no, you’re right she straight up switched teams homie 🤣

[@ColinH1973]

Fascinating little nugget of history. Thanks Mark.

[@Adolphin1]

"We fought the wrong enemy" -General Patton

[@filipohman7277]

Awesome Work Mark, Thanks 👍👍 Greetings from Helsinki, Finland 🇫🇮

[@cpfs936]

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.

[@tomsoki5738]

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

[@nlberglov8458]

As a collector of medals for the last 40 years, not a single error in this video, great to see quality yt videos.

[@brentsarazin4346]

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.

[@HussainjrMalik]

Amazing video! Keep up the great work. This channel deserves more subscribers.

[@advanced2431]

Bruh he released this video 2 minutes ago and the video is 9 minutes long

[@HussainjrMalik]

@@advanced2431 I know, I just now finished. But I know that the video will be good even before watching!

[@criscase6632]

This is a fantastic video I never knew there was such a medal for the July 20th bomb plot

[@aka99]

There is probably lots of more ww2 things you dont know and me too. So much too learn

[@katiedid624]

How can one man make more historical content than the history channel?

[@TBagr]

Dr. Felton always finds an way to locate a tantalizing topic and flawlessly execute the presentation of the subject matter.

[@ak9989]

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.

[@AbuHajarAlBugatti]

@@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

[@thurin84]

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.

[@yodasmomisondrugs7959]

Hello form California Mark. Keep making the history videos we need, but don't deserve.

[@timothywood4402]

Awesome job as always..! With out you these types of historic tidbits would be totally forgotten.Thank you for keeping this information alive.

[@The105ODST]

Thanks Mark for the new upload. I am going to add it to my work out playlist.

[@williamharris9525]

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.

[@y_ffordd]

Professor? he has a Phd from Uni of Essex.

[@tundragaming5]

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.

[@ronniecoleman2342]

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.

[@burningchrome70]

This is so unique and educational! I love the images backed by verifiable narrative. Thank you, sir.

[@TheButterBee74]

Great video as always !

[@wirelessone2986]

Years ago in the 80's I saw an original gold version in a protective case

[@bobschenkel7921]

Veeery Interesting.Always something new when Mark Felton Productions is involved.

[@manoelreinaldoreinaldo6120]

Thanks Dr. Felton , more an Master Class . Always delivery one content amazing . Thanks Very Much .

[@O-cDxA]

Mr.Felton, perhaps one day you could do a video on the whereabouts of Adolf's artworks. - Thanks. You are a fantastic historian !

[@ArmyJames]

That’s DOCTOR Felton, please.

[@schroedingersdog7965]

@K Kr Can't help but wonder what a genuine Hitler would fetch at Sotheby's!

[@Zogerpogger]

@@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.

[@jb6027]

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.

[@Zogerpogger]

@@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.

[@charles1964]

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....

[@thedesertfox6038]

Also to add to the Lists WWII History Buff, He has done some good ones on the WWII German Awards and Medals, Like the SS honour ring, German Cross in Gold etc

[@paulm3033]

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 .

[@JDMilitaria]

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

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

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."

[@bizon262]

very rare, that rare if he comes back Ill send him back to rarity of inhumane tortures

[@JDMilitaria]

@@bizon262 yeah it's odd to say even the words "caring" around AH.

[@JDMilitaria]

Also when I mentioned, "This was great" it was reference to Mark's video.

[@bizon262]

@@JDMilitaria yes I saw the time stamp ealier

[@FIBagent]

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+?

[@GSXK4]

Hans Ulrich-Udel

[@BELCAN57]

Hans-Ulrich Rudel was the only recipient.

[@jasonschweigert8069]

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.

[@FIBagent]

@@jasonschweigert8069 Oh, thanks.

[@jeffkujawa803]

That is what I would think also Thank you for a insightful and very good comment

[@chaptermasterpedrokantor1623]

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.

[@janelleallison3866]

Thank you for this, Dr Felton!

[@gerhard6105]

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.

[@Danny-lz1ek]

The stories he must have experienced all gone , so brave !

[@georgegandara6054]

First time I know about the existance of this medal, thank you for the interesting documentary.

[@chuckmeadows1581]

Great video, Mark! This was a very interesting subject that I knew little about. I really enjoyed this. Thanks!

[@cmcclelland4996]

I appreciate the careful research and articulate presentation. So many historical presentations on KZbin are not carefully researched, nor articulate.

[@nordicson2835]

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.

[@paoloviti6156]

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 👍👍

[@TheCharlesAtoz]

Great documentary short-- this channel is important for us to experience. Never forget!

[@aetheraaa702]

Great video as always, Dr. Felton!

[@Armageddon2077]

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!

[@jb6027]

Excellent observation.

[@francisdec1615]

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.

[@MCTFLY]

My great uncle had one. Earned it from the blast. He's shown in the hospital footage.

[@deedeeramone34]

Did he also work at Nintendo?

[@freetolook3727]

Not sure how I'm supposed to feel about that.

[@ekevanderzee9538]

@@freetolook3727 you are not supposed to anything.

[@Danny-lz1ek]

Brave Individual doing His duty

[@jeffasbestos7813]

I’m sure he did...

[@danieldavid7644]

One of the most interesting channels about History(World War 1 & 2). Most videos are under 10-15 mins. Mark keeps it crisp.

[@aroncells3120]

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

[@alexamerling79]

This makes the Iron Cross look easy to obtain... Great stuff as always Mark. Your content on the Third Reich is outstanding!

[@evanspiteri3576]

Well frankly they are pretty easy to obtain haha

[@BELCAN57]

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.

[@htos1av]

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.

[@aka99]

Cool lots of nazi trophies in usa today

[@jeffkujawa803]

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

[@leonardcroft1467]

Thank You Dr. Felton Always Enjoy Your Videos !!

[@sameyers2670]

Thank you for once again another interesting video Mark, I hadn't heard of these badges before

[@FASTEFI86]

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.

[@oceanhome2023]

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 !

[@patmurphy8622]

Thank you as always, Dr Felton.

[@geosqueezebox4016]

Dr Felton I finally got to see a video the day you posted it. Thank you very much for the history. 🎖️🏅

[@thEannoyingE]

I’ve seen one authentic example of the medal, it was in the war museum in Natick Mass, unfortunately I’d had since closed.

[@williamlydon2554]

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.

[@paulpowell4871]

Always a great time with Mark

[@jimmccue577]

Great video! Thanks for all your hard work & research!

[@Camm0Blue]

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

[@hridgreximp6194]

I absolutely love these videos on German decorations and awards!

[@cyndikluch720]

I have learned so much from your videos. Keep up the awesome work!

[@kraljazvonimira5448]

i really love your videos, mark. thanks a lot for your fantastic work! keep it up!

[@InflightIreland]

What I would give yo get my hands on one of these haha. Thank you Dr Felton 🙏

[@derin111]

My Grandfather earned what inevitably is probably one of the most common awards…the Wound Badge in black for being wounded on the Eastern Front. I have to say that from memory it had a very thin, flimsy and cheap feel to it.

[@thurin84]

well, they had to make a lot of them.

[@steven2212]

Thank you Doctor Mark, your presentation of history never fails to fascinate and enlighten. Bravo!

[@brycecolwell4304]

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.

[@frankcoala5890]

“You must understand that this war is not against Hitler or National Socialism, but against the strength of the German people” - W. Churchill

[@scottlindsly]

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.

[@frankcoala5890]

@@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.

[@theoccasionalclaypiper]

I would say one of the rarest Nazi badges is the Auxiliary Cruiser Badge with Diamonds. Only one was awarded. To Kapitän zur See Bernhard Rogge, commander of cruiser “Atlantis”. It must be one of the rarest Kriegsmarine Badges.

[@jimc.goodfellas226]

As usual, the master pulls out another one we've never even heard of

[@KenR1800]

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!!

[@aka99]

Hi there mark you could do a video about irish in the british army during ww1. Irish pow held in German captivity during ww1. The Interesting is the irish pow got little money from the Germans, saved it and were allowed to pay for construction of an Irish cross in the german town of dietkirchen in the year of 1917. it remembers thr irish pow who died in dietkirchen camp. The Germans renovated the cross in 2006. the Germans inhabitants of dietkirchen named a street for the first irish pow who died in the camp in 1914. the Germans tried to recruit volunteers for irish liberation army fighting the Brit’s but only about 50 of about 2000 volunteered. It is believed to be the only Celtic-irish highcross standing in continental europe. If you read this, I think the accidentally bombing of Freiburg in Breisgau by the luftwaffe itself isn’t widely known. And Swiss German confrontations in air over Switzerland isn’t known much either. Swiss me 109 we’re even able to shot down german me 110 in 1940

[@anodynic749]

Second! Love the channel keep up the great work

[@dustins.4666]

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

[@dustins.4666]

5 bucks a month gets me more than any other history channel. keep up the good work man

[@robertsmart4628]

Something I never knew about. Thank you for the info.