A two war vet

[Don D.]

Wilhelm Rebbelmund began WW1 as a Private and ended it as an officer. He was then recalled for WW2 and went on to be a Major, returning from Russian captivity in Jun 1949 a sick man.

Along the way he did his duty, earning the EK2, EK2 Repitition Bar, the KVK2 with Swords, and the KVK1 with Swords.

Here's a quick look at the grouping.

WW1 I.Ds.

[Don D.]

When he was promoted to officer he joined the D.O.V.

[Don D.]

His EK2 and Wound Badge.

[Don D.]

Demobilized Dec 2, 1918.

[Don D.]

Back to school.

[Don D.]

The usual papers one had to have, DAF.

[Don D.]

Arbeitsbuch and passport.

[Don D.]

Front Fighters cross with Memel stamp. Not often encountered.

[Don D.]

So, he's got everything going for him and then his country calls. The old boy still has it though, as the EK2 bar shows.

[Don D.]

And both KVKs with Swords. Again, not often seen.

[Don D.]

By the end of the war he must have been feeling mighty old. Add four years of captivity and he was sent home a very sick man. His discharge lists him as unfit.

[Don D.]

There's some other docs, another ID card and approx 25 photos and deaths cards that I will post when I get a chance.

[VtwinVince]

Great grouping, Don. According to his medical exam at Friedland, he had a 'defective jaw alignment' and bad eyesight.

[Wik]

Don, very impressive! Collecting is a great way to preserve history but these groupings are really what stand out to me. They make collecting even more personal! Poor guy went through the ringer and just kept going!

Was there a particular act of his that got him promoted to an officer? I am not sure how Germany did it (if it was any different than the U.S.) but when someone was discharged and commissioned an officer, they were usually NCOs (as far as I know but I wouldn't be surprised to see a pvt moved up. Just not an everyday occurrence is all!), weren't they?

Anyhow, great grouping and really adds a personalized touch to the hobby.


Ryan

[Scott Powell]

excellent grouping don!