Austria, Empire. A Merit Cross 1849, Iv Class, By F.braun, C.1870 Archive Hauptmann Greißhardt was flying a

Hauptmann Greißhardt was flying a Fw 190 A-4 (Factory Number 7051) when he was wounded in combat with a United States Army Air Force B-17 Flying Fortress of the 306th Bomb Group on April 5

the son of Walter Charles Hitchcox and Mary Hitchcox

surrounded by a blue enamelled ring inscribed GOTT MIT UNS (God be with us)

238 (as indicated by these two magazines)

a Foreword by Frederick Wilkinson

Austria, Empire. A Merit Cross 1849, Iv Class, By F.braun, C.1870 Archive Hauptmann Greißhardt was flying a(Verdienstkreuz). Instituted in 1849. First Period (1849 1875). In silver with red enamels, maker marked "F. BRAUN IN WIEN" on the ring, measuring 30. 2 mm (w) x 33. 7 mm (h) inclusive of laterally pierced ball suspension, chipping evident in the red enamels on the arm at 3 o'clock on the obverse, replacement triangular ribbon with hook and eye, better than very fine.