Stosstruppen w/US POWs photo

[Greg W.]

This is a real photo I purchased some time ago of a group of stormtroopers after a successful trench raid in 1918. There are four American doughboy prisoner of war in the middle of the group. Apparently they were armed with US M1917 Enfield Rifles as one of the Germans sitting on the steps is holding one. Based on that information and the date given for their capture on the back August 4, 1918 I believe they were from either the 77th or 82nd Divisions serving in the Lorraine. The young German officer second from the right in the top row is also wearing a black wound badge. Can anyone provide futher information or translate the remainder of the writing on the back of this very interesting card?
Thanks,
Greg Wilson

[Rick Research]

Interesting photo-- the German patrol members have all removed their shoulder straps to hide their own unit ID. Note the private with his hand familiarly on the lieutenant's shoulder lower center of the group, and the presence of a Chaplain just under the first window column in back.

Brother in law Ernst writes to Wilhelm and Elise that these were 4 Americans captured on patrol on 4th August, and he is happy to report on the 10th when this was written that he has gotten leave and hopes to be home on Friday to visit them.

[Greg W.]

Thanks Rick! I hope someday, with a little luck and research to be able to discover the names of the four POWs. By the way, there are also two Austro-Hungarian officers in the group at the top of the photo as well.
Greg