Third Reich German Cross in Gold named to U Boat Commander – Item 117358

Excellent German Cross in Gold. Retaining much original bluing to outer star. Gilt wreath and enamelled swastika. Pin stamped 20 (C.F. Zimmermann). Reverse engraved with name of Hans Joachim Forster and date 12.9.1944. Good overall condition with just age patina to silver finish.

Note:  After the usual training he was for three patrols first watch officer on board of U-380 operating in the Mediterranean. He left U-380 in May 1943 and commissioned 5 months later the type VIIC U-boat U-480.

Very successful became his second patrol in where he sunk 4 ships sunk with a total of 14,646 tons including the Canadian corvette HMCS Alberni and the British minesweeper HMS Loyalty.

U-480 was lost with all hands, 48 men, when she was sunk between 29 January and about 20 February 1945 in minefield Brazier D2 in position 50°22’04″N/001°44’10″W (Niestlé, 2001).