Soldbuch 18. Volksgrenadier Division Ardennes St. Vith

Soldbuch first issue with photo to Obergefreiter Rudolf Feldmann.

Born: 15-3-1912.

Although he was blind to one eye he was called up for military service.

In daily life he worked as a laboratory technician.

The Soldbuch opens at 4 December 1940 with 1./Artillerie ersatz Abteilung 216.
After his basictrainings he became part of Artillerie Regiment 321 of the 321. Infanterie Division followed by Artillerie Regiment 28. of the 28. Leichte Infanterie Division.

With these units he served on the Eastfront from 1941 untill 1943 when he was released from the Army.

Being called-up again in 1944 and then joined Artillerie Regiment 1818 of the 18. Volksgrenadier Division wich was deployed in Denmark.

In December 1944 this Division was one of the many Volksgrenadier Divisions who took part in the German operation “Wacht am Rhein” also know as the Battle of the Bulge.

18. Volksgrenadierdivision gained two of the most significant victories of the Ardennes campaign by utterly defeating the US 106th Infantry Division and taking St. Vith.
The division was formed in Denmark in September 1944, combining 571. Volksgrenadierdivision and elements of 18. Luftwaffenfelddivision. They were commanded by Oberst Günther Hoffmann-Schönborn.

The division began its attack in the Ardennes on 16 December 1944. They pushed into the Losheim Gap through the Schnee Eifel, inflicting on the US 106th Infantry Division the worst defeat suffered by US forces in Europe when they captured over 8,000 prisoners.

On 21 December, 294. Volksgrenadierregiment, 18. Volksgrenadierdivision captured St. Vith. The regiment assaulted the Prumerberg heights, punched a hole through the lines of the dug-in infantry of CCB, 7th Armored Division, and advanced down the road into St. Vith. They were soon followed by Volksgrenadiers from 62. VGD. The taking of St. Vith then allowed the Fuhrer Begleit Brigade to pursue the retreating Americans.

As the Ardennes offensive ran down the division went on to the defensive. The division slowly retreated through Germany until the end of the war, when it surrendered.

Medals

1. Ostmedaille, 7-8-1942

2. Krimshield, 16-12-1942

3. KvK 2 with Swords, 30-1-1945 by the 18. VGD.

It comes with an POW release paper and a small picture taken in Danmark.

He received an Tarnnetz.

Heavy used condition, complete with all pages.

code: B24263