WH (Heer) Award Document Grouping from Unteroffizier 'Rudolf Bernhardt', he was a member within the '2./Strm.Gesch.Abt.197' (2. Sturmgeschütz Abteilung 197). The grouping is consisting of 3 award documents (Urkunden), each at (DIN) A5 size and a letter with envelope adressed to his father.

The Sturmgeschütz Abteilung 197 was created 25 November 1941 in Jüterbog. From 9 April 1941 until mid-June 1941 the unit took part in the operations in Yugoslavia. From 22 June 1941 the unit took part in the Russian campaign. After border fights in Besserabia, Galicia and Volhynia, the Stalin-Line was broken on June 25. After fighting in the Zhitomir area the unit took part in the Battle of Kiev in late July and attacked the River Dnieper on August 31. On 17 October 1941 the unit was involved in battles at Kharkov and Belgorod. Then the unit was turned south to the Crimea, where on 17 December 1941 the first attack on Sevastopol began. After the loss of the Crimea, the unit then took part in the reconquest of the Crimea and the capture of Sevastopol in May 1942. From July 1942, the unit completed security tasks in the Crimea and had rest here until the end of the month. 

Rudolf had been wounded on 22 December 1941 during the first attach on Sevastopol and was awarded with the Silver Wound Badge (Verwundeten Abzeichen in Silber) on 11 January 1942. On the same day he was awarded with the Iron Cross 2nd Class (Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse). Rudolf was awarded with the German Eastern Front Medal (Medaille für die Winterschlacht im Osten) on 22 November 1942. All documents have been folded, see scans.

The letter is adressed to Mr. Bernhardt, Rudolf's father, who lived in Zwickau (Germany). The letter (DIN A4 sized) was written by a superior on 25 December 1941, to inform the father of the injuries Rudolf suffered during the heavy fighting for Sevastopol. Apparently Rudolf is in a field hospital because he injured his leg and surgery is needed. The superior visited Rudolf on Christmas Eve and he's is doing well. Rudolf will soon be transferred to the Reich for further recovery. The letter ends with 'Heil Hitler'. The envelope is in two pieces and fragile state. It was sent as 'Feldpost' (Einheit feldpostnummer 21082).

Nice and interesting original award document grouping!