Germany, Ss. An Official Letter Sent & Signed By Ss-Sturmbannführer Otto Weidinger (Kc W/Oak Leaves & Swords), 1943

The letter is dated to November 2, 1943 and was sent to the adjutancy of the SS Junker School Brunswick. The sender is SS-Sturmbannführer Otto Weidinger, at the time part of the Staff of Panzer Reconnaissance Battalion 2 in 2nd SS Panzer Division “Das Reich”, identifiable by Feldpost number 41940 A. Weidinger writes that the SS Personnel Main Office needs a transcript of the final evaluation of the commander of the SS Junker School. He signed the letter in blue ink. Measuring 209x150mm, extremely fine condition with minimal scuffing and two punched holes.

Footnote:Otto Weidinger was born on May 24, 1914 in Würzburg (Bavaria). He joined the SS-VT at the age of 20 and was educated to become an officer at the SS Junker School where he was promoted to SS-Untersturmführer. During the Polish campaign, Weidinger served in the Kradschützen Battalion of SS Regiment “Deutschland” and received the Iron Cross 2nd Class, then, during the French campaign, he received the Iron Cross 1st Class and went on to serve as a division’s adjutant. In July of 1940, Weidinger was promoted to SS-Hauptsturmführer. He then took part in the Balkans campaign. In June of 1943, Weidinger took command of the 1st Battalion of SS Regiment “Deutschland” in the rank of SS-Sturmbannführer, serving at the Eastern Front. During the Battle of Kursk, he was severely wounded in the head in close combat. Weidinger received the German Cross in Gold on November 26 as commander of the SS Panzer Reconnaissance Battalion 2 of 2nd SS Panzer Division “Das Reich”. In early 1944, Weidinger and his division were redeployed to France. Here, he received the Knight’s Cross on April 21, 1944. Shortly after, he was promoted to SS-Obersturmbannführer, the highest rank he would hold, and took command of the 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment “Der Führer”. Weidinger received the Oak Leaves on December 26, 1944. The Swords followed on May 6, 1945, shortly before the end of the war. Due to this fact, the only proof of the award is the assertion of SS-Oberstgruppenführer Sepp Dietrich, who awarded them for Weidinger’s role during the Battle of the Bulge. Weidinger survived the war and died on January 10, 1990.