This honor known as the "Eiserne Kreuz II" was given to the solider that went above and beyond the call of duty. Throughout the history of Germany, only the bravest men have been known to wear it proudly. For Max this special award was won on the Eastern Front!

This medal called the, "Flak Abzeichen" was awarded to Max for the successful downing of at least 5 enemy aircraft by his unit.

This special symbol of heroic bravery was given to Max for his duty on the Eastern Front. It represents the many years of hardship and pain that a German soldier had to face, both in combat and sheer survival. The German name for this medal is,"Ostkampfmedallion".

Simply put, if you wanted to earn this medal during World War Two, and you happened to be fighting close up and successful trench warfare tactics, surviving at least 3 of these.... then as a German you would be awarded the famed, "Luftwaffen Erdkampf Abzeichen". Max was one of the lucky.

Last but certainly not least, comes one of the highest respected if not greatest achievements of all. The"Verwundeten medallion" is given to the "not so" lucky ones that were wounded in battle.