name in a SS helmet

[Bob Coleman]

Several years ago, I was able to obtain a helmet out of an old friend's collection. He picked it up in the mid 60's. It is a fantasstic camoflaged helmet with a rope net attached. Painted on the rear of the helmet and also on the liner is the name Oberscharfuhrer Grafing. There is an umlatt over the "a" With this small amount of information, is it possible to research this individual? As it came back with an American vet, I presume, due to the tan, green and brown hues, that it came out of France or Holland. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
Bob

[C. Kleijn]

Hello Bob,

According to the database of the Volksbund deutscher Kriegsgräberfürsorge, the German war graves commission, one Gräfing was killed in 1917 and another Gräfing, Johannes, died on the Eastern front in 1942. It is likely that the original owner of your helmet survived the war, although the database of the Volksbund is not complete.

It is not a common name in Germany, so you might write an e-mail to the Bundesarchiv, www.bundesarchiv.de. Just ask them if they have information about Oberscharführer Gräfing.

With all the best,

Cees

[Bob Coleman]

Cees-

thank you for your assistance in this matter. Do I need to write them in German or is English acceptable.
Bob

[C. Kleijn]

Hello Bob,

I am glad that I could be of help. English should be no problem for them, but perhaps you should add that they can answer in German if they want so. You have to take in account though, that it might take several months before you get some definite results. Good luck with your research!

With all the best,

Cees

[Ty Smith]

Bob,

A camo'ed SS helmet ~ I have a special interest in camo SS helmets. Can you please show me some pictures !!

[Simon O.]

Their aren't that many Gräfing's in the phone book.

http://www.dastelefonbuch.de/NSAPI/A...OPUPBANNER=130