This is my grandfather. Unfortunately we never met as he died some months after this photo.

My grandmother spoke highly of him well into the 1980s. I remember her line: “Das war ein Mann.” (That was a man).

My guess is that he wanted to wear his uniform at least once more before his death. He has an Iron Cross, but I don’t know why. It should be noted that there are no NSDAP, or as we call them now Nazi, symbols on his uniform. My guess is he simply was a German and pleased to be so.

He has a notable scare on his face. I’m not sure why. I have a vague understanding that this was considered by some as a symbol of valor. It also could have come from a simple accident. I have no idea.