Cold War era Bundesluftwaffe Major receives U.S. Award

[Guardian 5]

Hello Friends,

I thought this photo was extremely interesting. It shows an Iron Cross holder being congratulated by a German general after having been awarded the U.S. Legion of Merit. I wager that in 1944, the award recipient could have never imagined that he would someday be decorated by his implacable enemies and that they would in fact be serving alongside each other as allies. it is also interesting to note the wear of a U.S. unit patch by the awardee. The U.S. Air Force did not wear patches during this time period so I find it very strange that this individual is.

I would appreciate any further insights that anyone would care to make.

Thanks,
TJ


BW LOM.jpg

[Proud Kraut]

A very interesting picture! The insigina the awardee is wearing is the MAAG (Military Assistance Advisory Group) patch. Could be a liasion officer attached to MAAG staff.