Germany, Heer. A Wehrpaß to Walter Löffler, 23. Panzer-Division

(Heer Wehrpaß). Constructed of a field-grey card stock binding with 52 paginated interior pages filled with handwritten and stamped entries, named to “GEORGE (WALTER) LÖFFLER”, a decorated soldier of Heer Panzer Troops who performed much of his service with 23. Panzer-Division and who ultimately survived the war, retaining a certified studio portrait of Löffler, measuring 10.5 cm (w) x 14 cm (h), demonstrating minor material fatigue and the crossing-out of the cover swastika consistent with postwar use as an identification document, in near extremely fine condition.

Footnote: Georg “Walter” Löffler was born on 1 March 1923 in Leukersdorf, near Chemnitz. He entered military service in 1941, initially serving with Panzer-Ersatz-Abteilung 1 (Erfurt) before transferring to Panzer-Regiment 201 and other replacement and supply units, largely on guard duty in occupied France. On 15 August 1943, Löffler again transferred to 1. Kompanie, Panzer-Regiment 23, where he remained until Christmas Day 1944. It was in the former (subordinated to 23. Panzer-Division) that Löffler saw extensive combat while German forces made a fighting retreat on the Eastern Front, with action in Ukraine, Romania, and Hungary. His service concluded with defensive actions in Steiermark (Styria, Austria). His Wehrpaß was officially closed on 17 May 1945 and, with the cover denazified, it is clear that Löffler survived the war with the rank of Obergefreiter (promoted 1 January 1944). He was the recipient of numerous awards, including a Panzer Assault Badge in Silver (8 November 1943), a 1939 Iron Cross II Class (9 September 1944), and a Black Grade Wound Badge (6 August 1942).