Who is this RK Traeger?

[Albert]

Dear All,

I have this photo of an Rk recepient and would like t know who he is.

Also, the photo is marked Photo-Hofmann-Freising. Is this the Hofmann so often refered to? What is the big deal with Hofmann anyway?

Thanks and best regards,
Albert

[Denis]

Hello

Nice picture.
I don't think this Hoffmann is related to the famous photographer. Freising is located in Bavaria and I believe this was a local photographer who bore the same name than the well known Münchener based photographer.
In order to identify your RKT, I would need to know what are the numbers on his shoulder straps : 30 ?
It might greatly ease.
So far, we have an unknown RKT who was awarded the RK as a Feldwebel (or lesser rank), who was not posthumously awarded the RK and who was not awarded the DKiG BEFORE the RK.
I think there are 2 ways to explore :

1-Basing upon the shoulder straps : "30 or 3?"
For the moment, I have found that Artur Gorski (3/Pz.Gre.Rgt. 30) and Hermann Krey (2/Div. Füs. Btl. 30) were the 2 RKT being awarded as members of a WH unit ending with "30". However this is not Hermann Krey (I have his picture). I didn't find any pic from Gorski but I am not sure that this is him since Gorski was awarded the DKiG 2 months before the RK (if so, he should wear it on your photo).
Willi Koch might also be this unknown RKT.

2-Basing upon the Freising caption :
I have tried to find all RKT who would be born in Freising. I know this is very hypothetical but this is a way we need to explore. I found that Jakob Goldbrunner is born in that place.
Judging by his face (see URL below),
http://www.das-ritterkreuz.de/index_...det&wert1=1811
I find them rather close. However, as I don't have the details of Goldbrunner's military carrer, I don't know if he was ever assigned to a unit bearing the "30" figure on his straps. Anyway, except this point, Goldbrunner matches the criteria quoted above.

Sorry not being able to find definbtively the name.
Tell us what you can decipher on the shoulder strap, this will be very helpful
Regards
Denis

[Ian Jewison]

I think that is a match Denis....Jakob Goldbrunner....the facial features and firm chin appear to match!

Also the shoulder straps appear to 10.18 or 19 in my opinion! 19 would with with Goldbrunner!

He was not awarded any other high awards......I unfortunately do no have an biographical info on him.

Cheers, Ian

[bhholst]

Hello all:

it very much appears to be Ofw. Jakob Goldbrunner

Born 12.Aug.1920 in Freising, died 13.Apr.1978.

Served in the Bundeswehr with a discharge date given as 30.Sep.1972 and last rank Oberstabsfeldwebel.
Source: "Die Ritterkreuztraeger in der Bundeswehr "(which includes his picture which matches the one given by Albert) by C. Range and A.Duefel.
Bernhard H.Holst

[D. Löwenhamn]

It's Goldbrunner.

Best regards/ Daniel

[Albert]

Dear All,
Thank you very much for you help!

Best regards,
Albert

[Luftm40]

Great research effort guys!!