He was to served in Europe for the next forty-five weeks before embarking North West Europe for the United Kingdom on January 2
he was appointed as the Commander of the 340th Infantry division
the base is inscribed and dated 22 July 1944
the center medallion featuring a white enamelled cross
the whole flight of 'Strutters' shot down
Germany, Democratic Republic. A Patriotic Order of Merit, Bronze Grade with Case and Award Document to Rudi Höllering Auction Archive He was to served in(Vaterlndischer Verdienstorden in Bronze mit Verleihungsurkunde). Instituted 21 May 1954. (1954 1989 issue). Constructed of bronze, the obverse consisting a multi point radiant starburst, bearing a central coat of arms of the German Democratic Republic, the twelve oclock position topped by an eyelet connecting to a clasp with a horizontal pinback, unmarked, measuring 50 mm (w) x 54 mm (h), accompanied by a matching ribbon bar measuring 30 mm in length