High ranks pic for identification

[Luca]

Dear Members,
who re the fighters in the pic?
Was make in Rumania?
What is the big decoration of the last man in the center?
Thank You very much.
Luca

[Michael Miller]

At left is Romanian dictator Marshal Ion Antonescu; at right, Generalfeldmarschall Erich von Manstein. The German General at right center with Knight's Cross should be identifiable with a little effort on my part or that of another forum member. In addition to the large star decoration on his left breast (which is, presumably, a Romanian award- I'll have to check my books to identify it), he wears the Turkish War Medal (aka "Order of the Iron Half Moon" or "Gallipoli Star") for WW I service in Asia Minor (Turkey, Syria, Iraq, etc.).

Best wishes,
~ Mike Miller
Axis Biographical Research

[Luca]

Dear Mike Miller,
thank You very much for Your precious help.
with friendly
Luca

[Vienna]

Hello!

An old open question!

The unsecurity for me is the turkish (why not an rumanian?) decoration? I`m not a specialist, but I believe it`s more likely a spanish decoration (in connection with Legion Condor).
First I mean the general in the centre is Gen. Konrad, but under the point of view of decoration I think it is General der Pioniere (later Generaloberst) Erwin Jaenecke (he was in the Legion,also Sperrle, Mölders ....)
What`s your opinion?

Regards
Vienna

[Michael Miller]

Vienna,

I believe the award on his left tunic pocket is the Star of the Order of Michael the Brave (Class?)(http://www.axishistory.com/index.php?id=387). The Turkish War Medal (aka "Order of the Iron Trefoil", aka "Gallipoli Star") appears on his right pocket.

Best,
~ Mike

[Vienna]

Hello Michael!

Do you know the big award from (later) GFM Sperrle on this picture
(Legion Condor Ceremony 1939)?

Regards
Vienna

[Vienna]

Hello Michael!

Do you know the big award from (later) GFM Sperrle on this picture
(Legion Condor Ceremony 1939)?

Regards
Vienna

[Victor]

Vienna,

I believe the award on his left tunic pocket is the Star of the Order of Michael the Brave (Class?)(http://www.axishistory.com/index.php?id=387).
Best,
~ Mike

No, it isn't.
The Order had no star, only 3 classes and that isn't the 1st class (the only one worn there).

I believe it is the Grand Officer badge of the Order of the Star of Romania.

Btw, this is only the second photo I have seen in which Antonescu is smiling.

[VJK]

Hi!

Just for you Victor - a smiling Antonescu.

Regards,

VJK

[Victor]

These photos show a less seen face of a very controversial personality. Thank you for posting them.

[Michael Miller]

Thanks for the correction, Victor.

~ Mike

[Elwyn W]

Impossible to make out what's on Manstein's epaulette. But looks to me more like three pips than FM's batons. If so, it was before 01.07.42 and he was commander of 11th Army. So plenty of chances to be welcoming Antonescu to inspect 3rd and 7th Rumanian Corp. Could the general be Franz Mattenklott? RK 23.11.41; DKiG 19.09.42. commander of 42nd Corp.

Cheers
Freiherr

[Victor]

So plenty of chances to be welcoming Antonescu to inspect 3rd and 7th Rumanian Corp. Could the general be Franz Mattenklott? RK 23.11.41; DKiG 19.09.42. commander of 42nd Corp.

Cheers
Freiherr

The 3rd Corps was never part of the 11th Army. You are probably referring to the Mountain Corps.

[Elwyn W]

Bow to your authority. Just quick glance from OOB from over the years.

Cheers
Freiherr

[Victor]

Impossible to make out what's on Manstein's epaulette. But looks to me more like three pips than FM's batons. If so, it was before 01.07.42 and he was commander of 11th Army.

If it was so, then it would be in April 1942, when Antonescu made an inspection in Crimea. But since Manstein is wearing the Krim shield, it has to be after July 1942, no?