ADOLF HITLER (1889 - 1945) Fuhrer of Germany and Nazi Party leader, Hitler's bloody rise to power, his military seizure of most of Europe and North Africa and his genocidal racial policies culminated in suicide in his Berlin bunker as Russian troops approached. Very important signed document in which Hitler creates the Anti-Partisan Award in order to recognize those in the armed forces fighting increasingly fierce guerillas in German-occupied territories. The document is 2pp. legal folio on "Der Fuhrer" letterhead with blind-embossed national eagle and swastika, "Fuhrer Headquarters", Jan. 29, 1944. It reads in full: "ORDER Regarding the institution of the Anti-Partisan Award of 30 January 1944 1.) In recognition of the enemy's employment of increasingly stricter organization and deployment of Partisan warfare, I hereby institute the Anti-Partisan Award. 2.) The Anti-Partisan Award is a valor and service award. The bestowal of the Anti-Partisan Award will follow three classes (Bronze, Silver, Gold). 3.) The Anti-Partisan Award will be worn on the left breast side of the service tunic. 4.) The recipient will receive an award document. 5.) Upon the death of the recipient, the Anti-Partisan Award shall remain the property of the surviving relatives, as a remembrance. 6.) The implementing rules will be established by the Reichsfuhrer-SS. Boldly signed with Hitler's late-war cramped signature. Light toned spot at bottom of first page, else very good. This is the first document we have ever seen in which Hitler creates an award - and this is one of the most notable of awards. Partisans or guerrilla fighters were active in almost every country Germany invaded during the war. Partisans became large and dangerous movements, requiring increasing German manpower and resources to resist them. The badge existed in three grades: bronze, for 20 combat days, silver, for 50 combat days, and gold, for 100 combat days against partisans. In the case of the Luftwaffe, "days" were counted as sorties. The design of the badge constituted a wreath with a sword in the center. The handle has a sun wheel swastika, which represents the Nordic and auxiliary forces. The sword plunged into the "Hydra," a multi-headed sea serpent that represented the Partisans. The mythical Greek creature was almost impossible to destroy since its heads grew again if they were cut off: this shows an interesting parallel with the ever growing presence of partisan activities. Members of the Wehrmacht avoided wearing it, fearing retribution if captured, while the Waffen SS men wore it with pride, claiming it was "their" badge.