Vets wearing their 57ers!!!

[Sepp45]

Feldwebel Jose Antonio Montero Álvarez, of the Spanish Blue Division that fought on the Eastern Front.

(Photo credits: http://memoriablau.foros.ws/t11179/g...ia-krasny-bor/)

[Tom B]

Feldwebel Jose Antonio Montero Álvarez, of the Spanish Blue Division that fought on the Eastern Front.

(Photo credits: http://memoriablau.foros.ws/t11179/g...ia-krasny-bor/)

Hi Sepp, This is one GREAT photo !!!! Can't be very many of these guy's around anymore !!!! Thanks, Tom

[Tom B]

Philipp Stachel

I can't find this guy listed in any Official RK lists ? Are you sure about the Name? Thanks, Tom

[Sepp45]

I can't find this guy listed in any Official RK lists ? Are you sure about the Name? Thanks, Tom

I couldn't find him either Tom, but here's the original caption. What do you think?

[Tom B]

I couldn't find him either Tom, but here's the original caption. What do you think?

Hi Sepp, Well here is what I have found so far : He has NEVER been a member of the OdR. I emailed my OdR friend and he told me this : After checking the Official OdR files, they also have no record of his ever have being awarded the Knights Cross during the war, and he was never even listed as a late war un-official possible. I don't know what to make of this ? I would hate to think he was a "Faker" posing as a RKT. But I find him no where ?? Where do we go from here ? Thais is a crazy one for sure ! Tom

[Sepp45]

Hi Sepp, Well here is what I have found so far : He has NEVER been a member of the OdR. I emailed my OdR friend and he told me this : After checking the Official OdR files, they also have no record of his ever have being awarded the Knights Cross during the war, and he was never even listed as a late war un-official possible. I don't know what to make of this ? I would hate to think he was a "Faker" posing as a RKT. But I find him no where ?? Where do we go from here ? Thais is a crazy one for sure ! Tom

Thanks Tom for the research and the quick info! To be honest, it would't be the first time we see a "poser" faking to be a RKT. But this is certainly strange, since it was added to his death note.

Maybe one of those awarded during the final days of the war?

[Arthur Spooner]

GREAT pictures, as always!

I can't find this guy listed in any Official RK lists ? Are you sure about the Name? Thanks, Tom

I found a Phillipp Stachel with a DK: >here<

Maybe he got the RK unoffical and he was not listed and had never any contact with the OdR?
It looks he was active in the Kyffhäuserbund.

[Tom B]

GREAT pictures, as always!



I found a Phillipp Stachel with a DK: >here<

Maybe he got the RK unoffical and he was not listed and had never any contact with the OdR?
It looks he was active in the Kyffhäuserbund.

Like I said in my other post, the OdR has Never heard of him either as a member or for any other list of RKT's. The OdR keeps files on every recipient whether they were a member or not. They also have investigated un-official late war probable awards extensivley. If they say thumb's down on someone then the person is not a RKT. I emailed the DK info you gave to see what they say. Thanks, Tom

[Sepp45]

Pic of Erich Hartmann

[Sepp45]

Leo Hartmann

[Sepp45]

Postwar awards of Leutnant Hans Sturm

[Tom B]

Leo Hartmann

Sepp, I've been looking for this very photo for a LONG time. I wanted to use it for my book, but could never find it. Oh well..... I never met him and I could not get an address. Where did you find it ? Thanks Tom

[Tom B]

Postwar awards of Leutnant Hans Sturm

Great pic. I like how he has them displayed. I met him at a OdR reunion, but never made a visit to his home. If I remember right he told me all of his original wartime medals were taken from him. Thanks for posting, Tom

[Sepp45]

Hi Tom! Both pictures were sent to me by a longtime German friend, but who wants to remain anonymous.

The photo of Sturm's medals is great indeed

[Sepp45]

Another photo of Rudel attending Skorzeny's funeral service. Once more, he wears his wartime cross.