Stefan wrote:I don't know who Kurt Schwerdt is, but the most logical assumption would be this could be Schwerdt's Divisionskommandeur. If my eyes don't fail me, the Schulterstücke are blank, the Eichenlaubträger being a Generalmajor.
Kurt Schwerdt was Adjutant in Grenadier Regiment 164 / 62nd VGD of Oberst Arthur Jüttner, 141st Swords to Knighst Cross with Oakleaves
Im working on his memoiers; kurt is now in age of 84 years and is doing not so fine with his health. This would be a very hard story...
In 1939 he goes to army service in Regt.66 / 13nt Div. In 1941 he lost his right hand by "Schrappnel" and in 1943 - after an accident at Döberitz - he lost his left hand.
As then 1944 the Call to build up the Volkssturm was, he said to his helpmen: "Wenn alte Männer und Kinder an die Front müssen, dann gehe ich auch zurück...!" "When old men and children must go to the Frontlines, then I go even back...!"
With recommendations of his last Commander Lothar Berger he take the tour to the 62nd Volksgrenadier Division. After he reaches the Place he reported to Oberst Arthur Jüttner, that he would be his new man.
Jüttner was shocked by his new man and was very incredible of the readyness for use and also the range of application of Kurt Schwerdt.
Schwerdt said: "Give me a chance, If i would be unuseabel, you can send me home...!"
Jüttner gives him the chance and said after a few days: "You are my man!"
With the 62nd Volksgrenadier Division Schwerdt goes through the Battle of the Bulge until the last Day in the Ruhrpocket.
He has 16 Nearcombat Days in his Soldbook, gets on 5. March 1945 the Honour Roll Clasp (Ehrenblattspange). In the very late days of the Ruhrpocket he was nominated by Oberst Jüttner for the Knights Cross. In February 1945 a newspaper writes the following, same was also written by the Berliner Morgenpost...
On my Homepage follow the Link "Divisionsgeschichte" the "Schwerdt berichtet", there you can read much more... Sorry, but at the Time only in german language...
Hope this Helps
Also I´m looking for further Combatdetails on his following Nearcombatdays... additional Fotos of Oberst Arthur Jüttner... and anything what could help to his memoiers...
Any Idea where to get Infos about his nomination for the Knights Cross ?
Best wishes and again many thanks to all of you...
Yours sincerly
Ralf Anton Schäfer