As of 01 March 2018

www.wwiirc.org www.352-inf-div.org

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction ...... 3 Reenacting ...... 4 Reenactor Guidelines ...... 6 Important Things to Keep In Mind ...... 6 Personal Goals ...... 6 Requirements ...... 6 Appearance ...... 7 Safety ...... 7 Vehicles ...... 7 General Information ...... 7 Casualty and POW Rules ...... 8 General Rules ...... 8 Chain of Command ...... 9 Unit History ...... 10 Division Composition ...... 10 Division Formation ...... 13 The Atlantikwall ...... 13 Battle in France ...... 14 Battle in Holland ...... 16 The 352nd Volksgrenadier-Division and the Ardennes Offensive ...... 16 Battle in Germany ...... 17 Ranks and Insignia ...... 19 Military Courtesy ...... 22 Behavior towards Superiors ...... 22 Saluting ...... 25 Basic German Commands ...... 27 The Gruppe in Combat ...... 30 Requirements ...... 32 Uniform and Equipment ...... 32 Uniform and Equipment Tier Level Requirements ...... 33 Awards, Decorations and Promotions ...... 38 Medals, Badges, Ribbon Bars and Award Criteria ...... 39 Awards and Decorations Summary Table ...... 40 Miscellaneous Awards and Award Criteria ...... 41 Award and Decoration Process ...... 41 Award Precedence and Method of Wear ...... 41 Promotion Criteria ...... 42 Songs ...... 43 Documentation ...... 46

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Introduction

Willkommen! Thank you for your interest in joining the 352.Infanterie-Division. I'd like to welcome you to our unit and to reenacting! Reenacting is a great hobby that can be a lot of fun. It's totally up to you how much time and effort you'd like to put into it, but I can almost guarantee that if you like WWII, camping and soldering, then you are going to have a great time. But above all, we do this to honor the veterans - not only those from the U.S. Armed Forces, but all veterans who fight, sacrifice and die for their country.

We represent the 1.Zug (Platoon), 5.Kompanie (Company), II. Bataillon (Battalion) of Grenadier Regiment 916 of the 352.Infanterie-Division. The 352.ID was a regular army infantry division of the German Wehrmacht during WWII. The Division is most known for their defense of Omaha Beach during D-Day.

The 352.Infanterie-Division is a part of the WWII Reenacting Corps (wwiirc.org), which, in turn, is an official division of the WWII History Center (wwiihistorycenter.org), a non-profit organization. In order join our unit, each new Rekrut (recruit) must become a member of the Corps. Membership is $35 a year, due on June 1 each year. The money you pay to join goes to support the Museum, to help put on reenacting events, and to cover insurance costs.

The 352.Infanterie-Division is the German portion of the WWII Reenacting Corps. The Mission of the Reenacting Corps is to fulfill the WWII History Center's Vision: "To remember a generation, to honor their sacrifices, and to educate future generations." Membership in the Corps means you are a volunteer for the museum. Supporting the Museum and its mission is our primary objective.

The 352.ID, the Reenacting Corps and the WWII History Center do not, in any way, condone or support any political ideologies of any of the combatants of World War II. The 352.ID will not tolerate any members who wish to join to relive the Nazi ideology, past or present. Our reenactors exist to educate the public about the life of German soldiers serving in the German Army, which, for the most part, had nothing to do with the Holocaust or Nazism.

Once you’ve become a member of the Museum, you will become a Rekrut. You have one year from your join date to obtain your uniform and required gear. Once you have all of your required items, you will be promoted to the rank of Grenadier (Private). From there, it is up to you. You can acquire more gear, or work on your knowledge and leadership skills to get promotions.

The 352.ID is a unit that has strong member ties. Our goal is to help each other grow within the unit, to stay as authentic as possible and to bring others into the hobby, all while building unit camaraderie. Our first priority is to honor veterans – but to go along with that, we want to make sure that each person enjoys what they are doing and is having fun.

Again, welcome to the 352.ID. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the Unit Commander.

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Reenacting

World War II reenacting started in the 1970s, and is a relatively unfamiliar hobby to many people. One of the main purposes of reenacting is to educate the public about the history, heritage, memorabilia and traditions of combat soldiers of WWII.

As a reenactor in the 352.ID at events, you will dress, act and think like a German soldier in 1944. There are four types of events we will participate in: training, public displays, public battles and tacticals.

Training is put on about once a month by the WWII History Center. Its purpose is to teach reenactors basic tactics, German mannerisms, and to keep our unit active. You do not have to have all of your uniform/gear to participate in these events. The subject matter and material covered at each of these events varies, as determined by the Unit Commander.

Public Displays are when we dress in full gear and display all of our equipment for the public. We typically have public displays at gun shows and military shows. You do not have to have all your gear to participate, but you can't wear a partial uniform to these events. On the other hand, if you have an alternate impression (e.g. – Fallshirmjager, Panzersoldaten, etc...) you can wear that to these events – the only requirement is that your display is complete and accurate.

Public Battles are staged battles for public viewing. Usually, these battles are planned out, and we, as Germans, always lose. Usually, after the battle has ended, the public comes out onto the battlefield to talk to the reenactors. You have to have all your gear to participate in these events.

Tactical Events are real-time events where either side can win. The Germans have their own camp, and the GIs have their own camp. Battles can happen anytime and anywhere (even in the middle of the night). These usually take place on large plots of land. You have to have all your gear to participate in these events.

You are also encouraged, but not required, to either make up a persona of the soldier you are reenacting, or learn about the life of a real German soldier of WWII. Most people find that by taking on a persona, the hobby become more personal and meaningful.

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The following excerpt is from an article by Edward Franzosa in Frontlines Magazine, written in back sometime in the 1980s about German reenacting. It offers three simple answers to the question, “Why are you reenacting a German soldier?”

In past years there has been some claptrap about the motives of people who portray German soldiers. And, more regrettably, there also has been a revival of the false propaganda malarkey that questions the motives of the common man who fights for his country and the society he grew up in. No one has the right to judge the motives and emotions that cause a man to serve his country in military duty. Here are the facts as I see them: If his country is at war, a young man joins the military for three basic reasons:

Duty and Patriotism Anyone with their head screwed on right feels a love for their own country and a duty towards protecting their homeland. It is much like your family-protect it first and ask questions later.

Comrades When your friends are all going off to fight the enemies of your country, you want to do the same. In many cases a whole group of friends would enlist together on the basis that they could stay together and fight together. The US Army in WWII made special provisions for this. Many men grow up in families where military service is an expected duty of each young man; I know, for my family was of this kind.

Adventure War is the most exciting business there is. Nothing, nothing at all, can compare to the feelings that one experiences in combat. (If you haven't been there, you just don't know what I am talking about. I have and I, like other veterans, will never forget--Ed Franzosa)

A young man in Germany felt the same emotions that a young man in the US or England or Russia felt. His motives for fighting for his country were just as right, just as pure, and just as proper. If you were NOT there at the time, then you do not have a good basis for questioning his decision now. Monday morning quarterbacking 50 years later smacks of hypocrisy. When I was in Vietnam we had a drinking toast from an old Navy legend--"My country. May she always be right; but right or wrong--My Country!" It was valid in 1969, it valid today, and it was valid in the 1940's too. Reenacting should be viewed in the light of a young German man going to fight for HIS country-doing what he felt was best for him and his country. There should be no recriminations against him and the choices he made in 1939-45. He followed the path of his duty to his country at that time.

--Edward Franzosa, Welsh Guards

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Reenactor Guidelines

The following is a list of guidelines that WWII Reenacting Corps members must abide by.

Important Things to Keep In Mind A. Remember first and foremost that when you are in uniform, no matter where you are, you are representing an honorable soldier. Always be on your best behavior and do what you can to bring honor to yourself and those you are trying to portray. B. Remember that you are a re-enactor because you care about the history and educating others, not because you like to carry guns around, look cool in uniform, or get some “trigger-time” with a machine. C. Remember that as reenacting units under the banner of the World War II History Center, we will be held to a higher standard and we expect you to do your best to help us maintain that higher standard of historical accuracy, even when participating in tactical events.

Personal Goals A. To learn all you can about the time period, the life of the particular type of soldier you are portraying, the theater of combat in which he served, and his unit’s history. B. To acquire as soon as possible, the minimum required uniform/equipment/weapons necessary to fulfill your particular soldier’s impression. C. To learn basic military discipline including rules for saluting, addressing higher ranks, following orders and all of the other typical rules of order common to military life. D. To become completely familiar and comfortable with the use and arrangement of the uniform, equipment and weapons of the combat soldier which you are portraying, including equipment and weapons utilized by other soldiers in your unit, such as machine guns and vehicles. E. To help others achieve the goals above. F. To recruit others to enter the world of World War II re-enacting, thereby increasing our numbers and adding more to our effort to educate the public about life as a soldier during WWII.

Requirements A. If you are portraying a soldier from a nationality whose primary language is not English, you are requested to learn basic military commands in the native tongue of the nationality which you are portraying. B. If you are portraying a soldier from a nationality other than that of the United States, and if you are capable, try to speak in an accent of the nationality which you are portraying when speaking to the public C. While in uniform, you will be expected to act as a soldier and follow the military code of conduct. Officers will be saluted (unless in combat conditions), higher ranks will be addressed by rank, and you will follow the orders given to you. Your best guide would be to acquire a copy of a 1941 or later U.S. War Department Field Manual entitled “Soldier’s Handbook”. This will teach you everything you need to know about being a WWII soldier. You can usually find good condition original copies on eBay for as little as $5.00. The World War II History Center’s Research Library also has a few copies that you can check out. D. The minimum age to participate is 16 but the maximum age is dependent upon you. If you are physically capable of portraying a soldier, then you will be allowed to participate. If you are over 45, depending on how old you look, it may be better for you to portray a German soldier as the German Army conscripted older men towards the end of the war, or you may be asked to be a vehicle driver as an American soldier. There were very few infantrymen over 40 during WWII in the U.S. Army.

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Appearance A. There must be no visible tattoos or piercings of any kind that are visible while you are in uniform. B. Hair must be kept short and above the ears. Sideburns must be kept no longer than the middle of the ear. C. Facial hair is limited to trimmed mustaches that must not hang over the lip, and cannot be any wider than the corners of the mouth. “Five o’clock shadows” are permissible, unless you are an officer. D. You must keep yourself in at least average physical condition, able to walk at least a few miles per day while carrying weapon and equipment. You will not be expected to do 50 pushups and run a timed mile, but you have to be able to keep up on a march without the potential for a heart attack. Beer guts are not only not allowed, but you won’t find any equipment that will fit you.

Safety A. Safety is the number one priority! If you see an unsafe condition, no matter what the situation (even in the middle of a public battle), do whatever it takes to make the situation safe before doing anything else. B. Never bring live ammunition to any event where you will be carrying a WWII-era weapon. If you must bring a weapon for self-defense, bring one that uses ammunition different from that used in your weapon. For example, if as an American soldier you carry a .45 auto, bring a firearm for self- defense that uses a .38, .40 or 9mm caliber. The idea is that there will be no way that you will accidentally load a live round into your WWII-era weapon. C. Live ammunition is strictly prohibited on World War II History Center grounds, even for personal defense. If you bring any by accident, you will be expected to put it in your POV immediately. D. Pyrotechnics are to be handled strictly by authorized personnel only. The only exception to this rule is any grenade, mortar or cannon shell simulator approved by the event Safety Officer. E. Never aim a weapon of any type, loaded or unloaded, real or fake, at any person ever. The old rule of shooting, “only aim at what you plan to kill” applies here. During combat, always aim at the ground in front of the person or off to the side or over his head. In case the worst should happen and you do have a live round loaded, this will save someone’s life.

Vehicles A. Only trained personnel, approved by a vehicle’s owner, are allowed to drive any vehicle other than POV’s at any time, whether during an event or not. Training for vehicle drivers will be handled strictly by the owner of said vehicle, or other person as designated by the vehicle owner. B. Vehicle owners (or their designee) are responsible for the safety of their own vehicle, and any riders, at all times. If there are any particular safety rules for the vehicle, it is up to the vehicle owner (or their designee) to explain any and all safety rules to the riders prior to movement of the vehicle. C. Security of vehicles is the responsibility of the vehicle’s owner or their designee. The World War II History Center and any event organizers are not responsible for any damage to, or theft from vehicles, that may occur. D. All of the above rules also apply to POV’s.

General Information A. Advancement in rank will be decided much the same as it is in the real military. Decisions will be made by your CO or NCO and will be based on your experience, skill, historical accuracy and the need for higher ranks. Participation in events will also play a role in your rank designation. We will never have need for any rank higher than a Major. Refer to the Unit Structure guide to see how many of each rank were typically found in each unit. B. Training for our units will be conducted as if none of our members have ever served in the military. For those that do have military service, we will ask that you be patient with us and the inexperienced, and do what you can to help both.

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C. For those of you who have prior military experience (in the real world), please keep in mind that some things were done different during World War II and some terminology was different. You will be expected to learn the “WWII way” of doing things as you will be portraying a WWII soldier. We are not doing this to minimize your honorable service to our country, but merely to be as historically accurate as possible. D. Smoking is generally allowed outdoors, unless otherwise prohibited for safety concerns. It is a fact of the WWII soldier, from any nationality, that smoking was pretty much the only way to relax during the war. However, if you choose to smoke, you are required to use either un-filtered cigarettes or cigarettes with a white filter. You must also use a type of normal-looking cigarette similar to Camels or Winstons. No Virginia Slims or other exotic-looking types. Cigarettes did not have filters during WWII. Cigars and pipes are also allowed, although pipes would only have been used in camp. E. Anyone trained in Emergency Medical Response or as an EMT will be encouraged to portray a Medic. This way you could actually carry real medical supplies and you would be on the scene instantly if any real injuries occurred. Real gunshot wounds may be non-existent, but scrapes, cuts, burns, turned ankles and the like are fairly common. F. Training for our units will largely revolve around how to portray a WWII combat soldier, squad- level tactics, marching, rifle drill, and field problems. Training will include minimal shooting of blank rounds due to the cost of the ammunition; however you will be given a chance to shoot blank ammunition prior to an event if it is your first time. Live Fire target shooting events can be organized if enough interest is shown. Casualty and POW Rules

The following is a list of guidelines that WWII Reenacting Corps members must abide by.

General Rules The “Honor System” will largely be used during tactical Effective Range of Weapon Types reenactments. NCO’s and officers will also serve as umpires  Pistols – 10 yards for their own forces and will serve as the final word for  Submachine guns – 25 yards disputes. They will not, however, cross the battle line to  Rifles – 50 yards force the opposing force to take a casualty. If an enemy  Machine guns – 75 yards soldier is not taking a “hit”, continue firing until he looks  Sniper rifles – 100 yards (longer in your direction. Sometimes soldiers cannot tell where firing if referees are present) is coming from.

“Hits” will not be called out across battle lines. If an NCO or officer witnesses his own soldiers call out a “hit”, he must force that soldier to retreat behind the lines 50 yards and wait for 5 minutes before returning to the line.

A soldier is deemed a “casualty” if at least 1/3 of his body is exposed to direct enemy fire.

A soldier is deemed a “casualty” if a grenade lands within 5 yards of his position, unless he is in a foxhole. If he is in a foxhole, the grenade must land in the foxhole to cause a “casualty”. Used grenades will be picked up by the soldiers that the grenade caused to be casualties, and will be returned to the opposing force at the end of the day.

If a single soldier is crossing open terrain and a machine gun fires on him, he is automatically a casualty. If two or more soldiers are crossing open terrain and a machine gun fires on them, half of the group are automatically casualties.

Snipers may only operate as “snipers” and with a dedicated umpire that can verify “kills”, and can radio the opposing force to communicate the kill.

Do not fire upon anyone within 10 yards. If you surprise someone at close range, take them prisoner by calling out “hands up” or Hände hoch! (in German).

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Chain of Command

Presently, there are only enough men for one Gruppe. The unit leader is a Leutnant, who is also the commander of the WWII Reenacting Corps. Therefore, 1.Gruppe makes up the Unit at this time. Once more people have joined, and the Rekrut class gets promoted to Grenadiers and beyond, the Division will slowly start to grow.

1.Zug

Zugführer: Leutnant Erik Runge (UNIT COMMANDER)

1.Gruppe

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Unit History

The 352.Infanterie-Division was an infantry division in the Wehrmacht during World War II serving on the Western Front. The unit is known for its defense of Omaha Beach during the D-Day Invasion on 6 June 1944.

The 352.Infanterie-Division was formed on 5 November 1943 at St. Lô under the command of Generalleutnant Dietrich Kraiß, as part of the Wehrkreis XI (Military District XI), headquartered in Hannover. A majority of the Division's soldiers came from decimated Divisions from the Ost Front, especially those in the battle at Kursk. The 352nd was placed in Armeegruppe B under the command of Field Marshal Erwin Rommel. Rommel was in charge of protecting the Atlantic coast from and Allied Invasion. Despite the fact that much of the German leadership believed that the main Allied invasion would take place at the Pas-de-Calais, Rommel was convinced that Normandy would be the location of the invasion. Rommel placed the strong 352nd at Normandy to push the invading force back into the sea.

Division Composition

The makeup of the 352nd was as follows:

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INFANTRY

914. Grenadier- 915. Grenadier- 916. Grenadier- Regiment Regiment Regiment

. 2 x 15 cm sIG 33 . 2 x 15 cm sIG 33 . 2 x 15 cm sIG 33 . 6 x 7.5 cm leIG . 6 x 7.5 cm leIG . 2 x 7.5 cm leIG . 3 x 7.5 cm PaK 40 . 3 x 7.5 cm PaK 40 . 3 x 7.5 cm PaK 40

The 352.ID had three Infanterieregimenter (infantry regiments), each with three Infanteriebataillone (infantry battalions). The 352.ID was considered a large Division because it retained the standard nine battalions, while a majority of all other German Divisions at the time had been reduced to 6 battalions. All infantry battalions had 60 light machine guns, 3 heavy machine guns and twelve 8 cm mortars. Each infantry regiment had one infantry gun (IG). The 914th and 915th Regiment’s IG company had two 15 cm and six 7,5 cm infantry howitzers. The 916th Regiment’s IG company had two 15 cm and two 7,5 cm infantry howitzers. Each Regiment had a PaK (Anti-Tank) company with three 7,5 cm PaK 40 Anti-Tank guns.

ARTILLERY

352. Artillerie Regiment

. 1-9.Batterie - 36 x 10,5 cm leFH 16 . 10-12.Batterie - 12 x 15 cm sFH 18

Batteries 1-9 of the artillery regiment had four 10,5 cm howitzers each. Batteries 10-12 had four 15 cm howitzers each. None of these batteries were motorized. The artillery all had one basic load of ammunition. The 10,5 cm guns had 225 rounds per gun, and the 15 cm guns had 150 rounds each.

ANTI-TANK/TANK HUNTER

352. Panzerjäger Abteilung

. 14 x Marder II and Marder III variant Panzerjäger . 10 x StuG III Ausf. G assault guns . 9 x FlaKPanzer 38 Self-Propelled Flak

The Panzerjäger Abteilung had 14 Marder 38, 10 StuG III and 9 motorized 3,7 cm FlaK guns.

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COMBAT ENGINEERS

352. Pioniere Bataillon

. 20 x Flammenwerfer . 6 x Granatwerfer

The Pioniere Battalion had three companies, with 37 machine guns, 20 flame throwers and six mortars.

FUSILILIER

352. Füsilier Battalion

. 1. Kompanie was bicycle mounted

The Füsilier Bataillon was light infantry/recon. The 1. Company of the Füs.Btl was bicycle mounted. This battalion was located in the rear, away from the beaches and was more mobile than a regular infantry battalion. They were equipped the same as a regular infantry battalion, with 60 light machine guns, 3 heavy machine guns and twelve 8 cm mortars. In a defensive position, like the 352.ID was, the Füsilier Bataillon would most likely protect the Division's most vulnerable flanks.

FIELD REPLACEMENT

Feld-Ersatz Battalion

. 6 x 8 cm Granatwerfer 34 . 1 x 5 cm PaK 38 . 1 x 7,5 cm PaK 40 . 1 x 10,5 cm Feldhaubitze . 1 x Infanterie Geschütz . 2 x Flammenwerfer

The Feldersatz Bataillon (field replacement battalion) had five companies with 62 machine guns, six 8 cm mortars, one 5 cm PaK 38 AT gun, one 7,5 cm PaK 40 AT gun, one 10,5 cm howitzer, one infantry howitzer and two flame throwers.

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Division Formation

The Division cadre was formed from the remnants of the following units serving on the Ost Front:

268.Infanterie-Division Wehrkreis VII (Munich) 468th, 488th and 499th Grenadier-Regiments History:  1939: Reserve Unit, activated  1939-1940: Saar Front  1941-1943: Ost Front - Battle of Yelna Bend, Moscow, Rzhev and Kursk - Elements fought at Cholm and Demyansk

321.Infanterie-Division Wehrkreis XI (Hannover) 588th, 589th and 590th Grenadier-Regiments History:  1940: Activated at Abberville  December 1942: Ost Front – Army Group Center - Suffered heavy losses at Kursk

546.Grenadier-Regiment Part of 389.Infanterie-Division Wehrkreis XII (Hesse) History:  1941-1942: Ost Front - Winter Drive across Don River, Volga River, Stalingrad

The survivors from the 546.Grenadier-Regiment formed the cadre for the 1st and 2nd battalions of the 916.Grenadier-Regiment of the 352.Infanterie-Division. Because most of the members of the 352nd were Ost Front veterans, they were hardened soldiers - from the officers down to the newest enlisted men. A large number of Volksdeutsch recruits were also a part of the Division. These Volksdeutsch recruits included Polish and Czech Germans, Alsatians (French Germans), and Russians (White-Russians, or POA).

The Atlantikwall

The 352nd was the backbone of Armeegruppe B (Army Group B). Organizationally, the Division was better off than most other divisions at the time – it still had its full complement of nine infantry battalions, while other divisions were reduced to eight. Rommel placed the 352nd at Normandy, between the 709.Infanterie-Division at Cherbourg and the 716.Infanterie-Division at Caen. Armeegruppe B’s armored reserve was the 21.Panzer-Division, located near Caen.

The 352nd began its coastal duty improving the defenses of the Atlantikwall as directed by Rommel. They placed beach obstacles, to include mined stakes and anti- landing craft timbers. They cut the timber from the woods, transported it to the beach, and drove it deeply into the sand.

Rommel wanted over 10 million mines to cover the length of the Atlantikwall, but only 10,000 were available. Of the 10,000 mines placed, many were not

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waterproofed, so by the time the D-Day invasion occurred, many of those mines had rusted and corroded because of the salt water, and no longer worked.

The first row of obstacles was Belgian Gates which were about 250 yards from the high tide water line. Belgian Gates (or C-Elements) are heavy steel fences about three meters wide and two meters high used as anti-tank obstacles.

The second row of obstacles was a band of mined stakes and log ramps, meant to tip or tear out the bottom of landing craft.

Finally, the third row of defenses was Czech Hedgehogs– static anti-tank obstacle defenses constructed of angled iron.

Further up the beachhead, the 352nd occupied slit trenches, eight large concrete bunkers, 35 pillboxes, six mortar pits, 35 Nebelwerfer launch sites and 85 machine gun nests. The main defenses were clustered into strong points.

Parts of the 916.Regiment was located near Omaha Beach. One battalion from the 716.Infanterie-Division was subordinated to the 916.GR. The 915.Regiment was in reserve southeast of Bayeux, and the 914th was deployed around Isigny.

Because a most of the Wehrmacht’s supplies were being sent to the fight on the Ost Front, by March 1944, the unit only got to execute three live fire events and each Grenadier was only able to throw two grenades. Many of the vehicles the Division used were foreign, so when they broke down, there were little, if any, spare parts. There was little driver training because of a shortage of fuel.

Battle in France

Once the D-Day invasion began on 6 June 1944, the 352nd immediately absorbed all troops within is sector, to include Luftwaffe Flak troops and Labor Service (RAD) personnel. When it became clear that this was the main Allied invasion force, all available units were rushed to the front. Hardened bunkers (Winderstandsnest) on or near the beach opened fire and continued to fire until they depleted their ammunition or all the men inside were dead. 352.Artillerie-Regiment and 1275.Artillerie-Regiment had pre-sighted every inch of the landing areas on the beach and rained shells down upon the landing Allied forces. They, too, continued to fire until they had run out of ammo or were in danger from being encircled.

The following excerpts are from U.S. soldiers fighting the 352nd on the beaches on D-Day:

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The Division took heavy losses, both in causalities and being captured, from the oncoming ground attack as well as from enemy Jabos (Fighter-Bombers). The Jabos would attack any daytime ground movement, even individual men unfortunate enough to be out in the open. Soldier-for-soldier, the Germans were equally matched, or superior, to their Allied counterparts, but the Allies’ air and material superiority were just too much for the German defenders.

The 916.Grenadier-Regiment saw action on D-Day opposing the 1st and 29th U.S. Divisions at Omaha Beach. The 352nd fought for several hours, inflicting many casualties, before being overwhelmed and overrun. The 916th retreated on the morning of 7 June after Regiment Commander Oberst Ernst Goth couldn’t hold the positions regained on the previous night. The rest of the Division saw heavy fighting in the bocage (hedgerow) country while defending St. Lô.

According to wartime documents, the losses suffered by the Division on 6 June were as follows: 200 killed, 500 wounded, 500 missing. The Division retreated to and remained in the area southeast of Isigny.

Because of constant fighting after the invasion, most of the Division wasn’t able to eat or sleep until 10 June. A total absence of motorized transport meant that all movement was by foot or bicycle. By the time the Allies had put armor on the beaches and started their advance, there wasn’t much the 352nd could do to stop it. By this time, most of the fighting ability of the Division was either killed or captured. A few isolated units continued to fight, or were absorbed into other neighboring units.

On 16 June, the Division suffered 3,000 casualties. From 6 – 24 June, casualties were 5407 officers and men. Despite these heavy losses, the Division kept fighting, and continued to lose men. By 11 July, the 352nd incurred 2,479 more casualties, and from 1 – 25 July, the Division had 123 officers and men killed, 464 wounded, and 110 missing.

By 30 July, the Division was in very poor shape. The Wehrmacht declared all battalions of the 352nd abgekämpft (no longer combat worthy) on that date, which means that each battalion had less than 100 combat-ready men. By the time the Division had been disbanded, it had subordinated the following units, all of which ended up worse off than the Division’s original units:

 Three battalions from 266.Inf.Div.  Two battalions from 353.Inf.Div.  One battalion from 30.Brigade  One battalion from 275.Inf.Div.  One battalion from 343.Inf.Div.  One artillery battery from 343.Inf.Div.  One artillery battery from "Autun" Artillery Battalion

Some members of the Division ended up being caught in the Falaise Pocket at the end of July and the beginning of August. They, along with members of the 2nd -Panzer Division inflicted heavy casualties on the Polish 1st Armored Division while in the pocket, but were eventually beaten back. The Pocket ultimately was sealed off. Approximately 15,000 Germans were killed in fighting in the Pocket and about

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50,000 were taken prisoner. The collapse of the Falaise Pocket was a major turning point in the battle on the West Front - two major German Armies were captured and destroyed in the pocket, severely depleting German strength in the West.

After the 1 August, the what was left of the Division was withdrawn to refit in the area southeast of Alençon. The Division was only there for a little over a week before American forces closed in. Elements of the Division engaged in rear guard action along the axis of Le Mans and Dreux. Generalleutnant Dietrich Kraiß, the 352.ID commander, was injured in an attack on 4 August 1944. He died of his injuries two days later. Oberst Heyna was the interim commander of the Division as they pulled out of the front lines in France.

Battle in Holland

Despite their condition and circumstances, the 352nd fought well in France against much larger and much better supplied Allied Troops. The 352.Infanterie-Division was sent to Denmark for refitting after being pulled out of the front lines in France.

While refitting, the 352nd was called back into action during Operation Market Garden. The Division was attached to the 10th- and the 363.Infanterie-Division. Together, they prevented the Allied XXX Corps from linking up with the British 1st Airborne Division, which landed at Arnhem, Holland. Elements of the 352nd engaged the U.S. 101st Airborne at Nijmegen.

The 352.ID was not a completely refitted Division while in Holland, and was withdrawn to Germany to be refitted and reformed once again.

The 352nd Volksgrenadier-Division and the Ardennes Offensive

The remnants of the 352.Infanterie-Division was merged with the remnants of the 581.Volkgrenadier-Division and a few Marine detachments (formerly coastal artillery) to form the 352.Volksgrenadier-Division on 4 September 1944, under the command of Oberst Erich Schmidt.

Volksgrenadier-Divisions are slightly different than regular Infanterie-Divisions. These Divisions had only six infantry battalions instead of the standard nine battalions of a full Infanterie-Division; this was already a common occurrence in most other Infantry Divisions at the time. Volksgrenadier-Divisions emphasized defensive strength rather than offensive strength. Standard infantry weapons typically consisted of light machine guns, light automatic weapons, and the Panzerfaust (single shot anti-tank weapons). The Züge (platoons) and Gruppen (groups) of Volksgrenadier-Divisions were formed around hardened veterans to inspire and properly lead whatever personnel were used to fill out the Division. The bulk of these Divisions were commonly filled out with "jobless" Wehrmacht personnel from the Kriegsmarine (Navy) and Luftwaffe (Air Force), wounded soldiers returning to duty, as well as men and boys considered too old or young for peacetime military service.

The 352.Volksgrenadier-Division itself was made up of several "jobless" Kriegsmarinemänner (Navy men). Their morale was high, but their limited experience in ground operations as soldiers showed in their poor fighting and maneuvering ability. The newly reformed Division had the same three Infanterieregimenter - 914., 915., and 916.Infanterie-Regiements, but with only 6 Infanteriebataillone total.

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This newly reformed Volksgrenadier-Division was a part of LXXXV. Armeekorps, and fell in with the 7.Armee. The 7.Armee was under the command of General der Panzertruppe Erich Brandenburger. The 7.Armme makeup consisted of:

7.Armee LXXXV. Armeekorps 5. Fallschirmjäger Div. 352. Volksgrenadier Div. LXXX. Armeekorps 276. Volksgrenadier Div. 212. Volksgrenadier Div. LIII. Armeekorps Festungs Infanterie Bataillon 999 Festungs MG Bataillon 44

The 7.Armme made the southernmost push during the Ardennes Offensive (the Battle of the Bulge) towards Luxembourg. The main objective of the southern push was to reach Luxembourg and protect the flank from any Allied counterattacks. The three Infantry Divisions of 7.Armme pushed west four miles before meeting stiff resistance from the U.S. VIII Corps. The 5.Fallschirmjäger-Div. managed to get 12 miles west on the inner flank of the push. There was no armored support for 7.Armee, so the initial advance was stopped fairly easily by American troops.

The 352nd Volksgrenadier-Division's major engagements in the Offensive occurred in Diekirch and Ettelbruck.

The push in the south, although stopped initially, managed to move again by the second week of the offensive and posed a threat to Allied lines. On 23 December 1944, there was heavy fighting in Mezig, Luxembourg, and a large portion of the Division was captured or destroyed. Only when the U.S. 80th Infantry Division was reinforced with armor from the U.S. 702nd Tank Battalion were the Germans defeated on the southern front of the Offensive.

Ultimately, the Ardennes Offensive as a whole failed, and again, the 352nd was decimated by losing men to casualties and being captured as prisoners.

Battle in Germany

After the defeat in the Ardennes, the 352.Volksgrenadier-Division was recalled to Germany to be refit and resupplied. It was then placed under the command of General Bazing. It was refitted with men from the 66.VolksGrenadier-Regiment, 99th Security Regiment and what was left of the 9.Infanterie-Division. Its next deployment was to defend the area around Trier (Germany) and Moselle (France). Fighting and Allied bombing effectively destroyed what was left of the Division again by mid-March 1945. Only a small remnant of the Division escaped across the Rhine at Worms as American forces advanced.

The 352nd was partially reconstructed one last time as a small battle group in mid- April and deployed to defend Darmstadt, south of Remagen. Its last battles were during a part of the Rhineland Campaign, as the Allies pushed in the south to reach the Elbe. The 352.Infanterie.Division’s career as a fighting unit ended in the Rhineland at the end of the War – they surrendered to American forces near Nuremberg in May 1945.

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Ranks and Insignia

The following section outlines the ranks and insignia of infantry units of the Wehrmacht and the Waffen-

Enlisted Men

Wehrmacht/Heer Waffen- Breast Eagle: Shoulder Eagle:

Smock Smock Collar Tabs Shoulder Collar Tabs Shoulder Sleeve Sleeve (Litzen) Boards (Litzen) Boards Rank Rank Private (none) Grenadier/Schütze (none) -Schütze

Senior Private Obergrenadier -Oberschütze

Private First Class Gefreiter -Sturmmann

Senior Private First Class Obergefreiter

-Rottenführer Senior Private First Class n/a n/a n/a (Administrative)

Stabsgefreiter Any NCO Candidate EM n/a n/a n/a Unteroffizierbewerber rank

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Junior Non-Commissioned Officers (Unteroffizier ohne Portepee)

Wehrmacht/Heer Waffen- Smock Smock Collar Tabs Shoulder Collar Tabs Shoulder Sleeve Sleeve (Litzen) Boards (Litzen) Boards Rank Rank Corporal Unteroffizier -Unterscharführer

Sergeant Unterfeldwebel -Scharführer

Ensign/Officer Candidate Fähnrich -Standartenjunker

Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (Unteroffizier mit Portepee)

Wehrmacht/Heer Waffen- Smock Smock Collar Tabs Shoulder Collar Tabs Shoulder Sleeve Sleeve (Litzen) Boards (Litzen) Boards Rank Rank Staff Sergeant Feldwebel -Oberscharführer

Sergeant First Class Oberfeldwebel

-Hauptscharführer

Master Sergeant Stabsfeldwebel -Sturmscharführer

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Company Officers (Kompanie Offiziere)

Wehrmacht/Heer Waffen- Smock Smock Collar Tabs Shoulder Collar Tabs Shoulder Sleeve Sleeve (Litzen) Boards (Litzen) Boards Rank Rank 2nd Lieutenant Leutnant -Untersturmführer

1st Lieutenant Oberleutnant

-Obersturmführer

Captain Hauptmann

-Hauptsturmführer

Field Officers (Feld Offiziere)

Wehrmacht/Heer Waffen- Smock Smock Collar Tabs Shoulder Collar Tabs Shoulder Sleeve Sleeve (Litzen) Boards (Litzen) Boards Rank Rank Major Major

-Sturmbannführer

Lieutenant Colonel Oberstleutnant

-Ober-sturmbannführer

Colonel Oberst -Standartenführer

Senior Colonel n/a n/a n/a Oberfuhrer

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Military Courtesy

The German Military from 1935 to 1945 was called the Wehrmacht, which included all branches of armed forces, to include the Heer (Army), the Luftwaffe (Air Force) and the Kriegsmarine (Navy). The Waffen- was autonomous and existed in parallel to the Wehrmacht. All armed forces were under the command of the Oberkommando der Whermacht, OKW (Armed Forces High Command) or the Oberkommando des Heeres, OKH (Army High Command).

The Wehrmacht are heirs of a long, proud Prussian military tradition. Military courtesy is taken seriously by all German soldiers, and strict military discipline was maintained throughout, and up to the end of the War.

The Wehrmacht and Waffen- rank structure are broken down into four basic classes:  Enlisted Men (EM) – Grenadier, Obergrenadier, Gefreiter, Obergefreiter  Junior NCOs (Unteroffizier ohne Portepee) – Unteroffizier, Unterfeldwebel, Fähnrich  Senior NCOs (Unteroffizier mit Portepee) – Feldwebel, Oberfeldwebel, Stabsfeldwebel  Officers (Offiziere)

Behavior towards Superiors

Just as parents, teachers and mentors help shape the life of a boy into a young man while he is at home, sergeants and officers shape the young man into a soldier once he enters the German Armed Forces. Formality and a high level of respect of superiors are demanded of enlisted men. At the same time, superiors are to train and protect the men under their command. The following information is taken in part from Regulations for Garrison Duty – a German Army Manual. [Ref. 4]

Act with Due Modesty & Restraint:

 Do not interrupt superiors who are talking with someone else or who are busy by speaking to them. Instead, stand at attention to indicate that you have something to ask or to communicate.  If the superior with whom you wish to speak is speaking with someone of even higher rank, the person of higher rank must be asked for permission to speak, e.g., "Captain, request permission to speak to Sergeant Mueller."  On beer nights or other occasions, do not invite a superior or drink to him first. If a superior toasts a subordinate, the subordinate rises & drinks while standing at attention. Do not follow civilian beer-drinking customs, such as shouting "Cheers!” clinking glasses, etc.  A subordinate always walks to his superior's left. When a subordinate accompanies a superior on horseback, he remains in the rear until he is told to ride forward.  When conversing with a superior, do not interrupt him. Do not insist that you are right.  In all cases, a good soldier will adhere to the limits prescribed by his tactfulness & good breeding. Overdone courtesy & subservience are unsoldierly. Do not try to curry favor with your superiors. However, this does not change the old soldier's rule that any soldier can openly & trustingly confide in his superior in cases of personal or service-related difficulty. His superior desires to help him in every situation, & can do so.

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Military Speech:

 Speak loudly & clearly. Do not use strange, long sentences or foreign words when German words would do.  Instead of saying “Yes," say "Yes, Sir!" (“Jawohl!”)  Instead of saying "Excuse me," stand at attention.  Instead of saying "Please explain," say "Please explain, sergeant." (“Bitte erläutern, Unteroffizier.”)  When called by a superior officer, instead of saying "Yes?" say (for example) Ref 1 "Sergeant?" (“Unteroffizier?”)  Even when "at ease," do not use hand movements or other unsoldierly gestures to emphasize your own words.

Behavior When a Superior Enters or Leaves Quarters:

 Shout "Attention!" (“Achtung!”) or "On your feet!" (“Auf deine Füße!”) Everyone should stand at attention facing the superior. (see also the next section, Saluting)  The barracks leader reports, e.g., "Barracks 35 occupied by one Lance Corporal & ten men." (“Kaserne 35 besetzt von einem Obergefreiten & zehn Mann.”)  All duty personnel announce themselves, e.g., "Private Müller on barracks duty." (“Grenadier Müller Kaserne Pflicht.”) As soon as the superior commands "As you were!" everyone continues his activity while avoiding any inappropriate noise (whistling, arguments).  When the superior leaves the barracks, "Attention!" (“Achtung!”) or "On your feet!" (“Auf deine Füße!”) is shouted again. Open the door, but do not block the way while doing so.

Behavior When You Meet a Superior (In doorways, on the stairs, etc...):

 Make way for your superior!  If several soldiers are standing together, one shouts "Attention!" when a superior approaches.  If a superior is blocking the way, ask for "permission to pass." For example, "Sergeant, request permission to pass!" If several superiors are standing together, ask permission from the most senior.

Behavior in the Vicinity of a Unit on Duty under the Supervision of a Superior:

 Avoid inappropriate noises (whistling, loud speech).  Pass the unit at an appropriate distance.  Never pass between a superior & his unit or pass through a unit.  No member of the unit may speak without the leader's permission. Ask the leader, e.g., "Sergeant, request permission to collect the keys to the bomb sight room from Lance Corporal M." Behavior When Given an Order by a Superior:

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 Repeat the order without being asked. This is the only way that the superior knows whether his order has been understood. For example: "I am to go to the stable & inform Staff Sergeant M. that there will be a meeting of NCOs in the orderly room at 11:15."  Carry out the intent of the orders (act independently).

Example

The soldier who was sent to the stable does not find the staff sergeant there.

Wrong: Report to your superior the "Staff Sergeant M. is not in the stable."

Right: Inquire where Staff Sergeant M. went & go find him there. Then report to your superior. For example: "I found Staff Sergeant M. at the smithy. I delivered the order that an NCO meeting will take place in the orderly room at 11:15."

 Behavior if a second order is issued while the first is being carried out.

Example

On the barracks steps, the soldier who was sent to the stable is ordered by the duty officer to immediately take the drill-hall keys to the sentry.

Wrong: "I don't have time because I have to find someone."

Right: "I report that the Sergeant ordered me to summon Staff Sergeant M. to the orderly room."

If the duty officer orders you to carry out his order first, then naturally this order must be obeyed. In principle, the soldier carries out the last order received. However, he must then report the reason for the delay to the superior who gave him the first order.

Report the execution of each order.

Wrong: "Order obeyed."

Right: "I have given the gunnery field manual to Sergeant B."

Assisting Superiors:

 Hold your superior's coat, offer him a light, pick up dropped objects, offer him your place in crowded areas such as public transportation & shops, carry his luggage.

Behavior When Entering or Leaving a Superior's Quarters:

 Have your uniform in order. (Straighten your jacket before entering the quarters.)  If possible, announce yourself & the reason you are there.  Remove your hat.  Do not be shy if the superior asks you to sit or offers a cigarette, etc.  If the superior rises, do likewise.  When leaving the room, stand at attention again but do not about-face. Close the door quietly.

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Special Circumstances:

 When a superior offers a subordinate his hand (e.g., to wish him a happy birthday or to offer a prize for sports or shooting), the subordinate should stand at attention. Do not bow.  Displaying good manners toward temporary superiors is an especially comradely duty.  The same rules apply for behavior towards a superior wearing civilian clothes.

Saluting

Saluting is a matter of honor among soldiers and a show of respect from subordinates to superiors. The following information is taken in part from an English translation of Regulations for Garrison Duty – a German Army Manual. [Ref. 1]

Senior NCOs and Officers are saluted. EM and Junior NCOs are not saluted, and do not salute each other.

Saluting is the first basic rule of military etiquette. When saluting, come to attention (body straight and upright), if you have headgear, bring your right arm up, palm flat, with your middle finger slightly touching the brim of your helmet or hat. If you are not wearing headgear, you perform the same motion, but your middle finger will slightly touch your eyebrow. The salute should be made sharply and crisply. You should not have anything in your mouth when saluting. Nothing should be in your right hand while saluting. When walking, the salute begins five steps prior to the superior and ends two steps past. When not in motion, the subordinate holds the salute until the superior has returned the acknowledgement.

The customary military salute will be the only salute performed during any reenacting event. Before 20.July 1944, without headgear, the German Greeting (‘Heil Hitler!’) was used as a salute. After 20.July 1944, the customary military salute was banned, and every salute was to be the German Greeting. However, due to its political connotations, it will never be used as a reenactor.

Each salute will be completed without the subordinate initiating a verbal greeting. If the superior returns the salute (for example, with “Heil!” or “Guten Morgen!”) the subordinate will answer the greeting with the same wording, and add the superior’s rank and name (if the superior is a member of the Heer, Luftwaffe or Kriegsmarine), or just the superior’s rank (if the superior is a member of the Waffen- ).

If being saluted by members of foreign armed forces, the most senior member of the group you are in can voluntarily return the salute.

The rules for when and how to salute are summarized in the following paragraphs.

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Individuals will salute the following people and in the following situations:

 The Fuehrer & Chancellor of the Reich, Supreme Commander of the Wehrmacht.  The Minister of War, Commander-In-Chief of the Wehrmacht, all superiors in uniform, including counterparts in the regional police, as well as former members of the Wehrmacht, the old army or the old navy who are in uniform.  The banners & standards of the old army & the former seagoing battalions.  The battle flags of the old navy as determined by the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy, & the banners of the regional police.  If the soldier is prevented from saluting because of carrying objects, the salute is presented by coming to attention, walking past at attention and acknowledging the superior.  Uniformed civilian Wehrmacht officials  Military chaplains in vestments.  National banners and ensigns are paraded.  During the German National Anthem or the Horst Wessel Lied.  At all funerals.  At reenactments, reenactors in uniform (regardless of nationality) will come to attention and salute during the U.S. National Anthem, or when the American flag while it is being raised, lowered or as it passes in a parade.

Groups in uniform will salute the following people and in the following situations:

 In all indoor buildings (not to include offices), when an officer or Senior NCO enters, the duty officer calls the room to Attention! (Achtung!) Everyone stays at attention until the superior puts everyone at ease or leaves the room.  Whoever is the first to notice a superior approaching informs his comrades so that all can salute at the same time.  If in a formation, the leader of your formation will salute for the formation. Each member of the formation will be instructed to turn their eyes towards the superior, and when Attention! (Achtung!) is given, begin the Parade Step (a.k.a. Goose-Stepping). Keep eyes turned until the command Forward March! (Marsch!) is given.

The following situations in which saluting is not required and forbidden:

 While driving or assisting in driving of a vehicle, or while driving a bike.  By soldiers in training or on combat duty. Salutes in this situation will be rendered by simply coming to attention and acknowledging the superior.

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Basic German Commands

The following table provides the Rekrut the basic German words and commands that should be understood and used whenever possible. Speaking German at reenacting events will greatly add to your experience, and the experience of others around you.

IN FORMATION/MARCHING

English German Pronunciation

Fall in! Angetreten! ahn-ge-tray-ten or Fall in! Antreten! ahn-tray-ten Same as in the US Army. Gruppenführer establishes the right side of the formation. The rest fall in to his left in a straight line. Angetreten = Fall in at attention. Antreten = Fall in at ease

Attention! Stillgestanden! shtill-ge-shtan-din Body rigid and heels together, toes at 45 degrees, hands flat with palms flat against upper thighs, elbows out slightly and eyes front.

At close interval, dress right, fall in! Aufschiessen! Angetreten! owf-she-sin, ahn-ge-tray-ten Turn head sharply 45 degrees to the right, left hand to a fist and put on left hip, dress on Gruppenführer. Wait for “Augen gerade, aus!”

Dress right dress! Nach rechts, richt euch! nahch rehshts, risht oych! Turn head sharply 45 degrees to the right, left hand straight out to side parallel to ground, dress on Gruppenführer. Wait for “Augen gerade, aus!”

In one row, fall in! In linie zu einem Glied, Angetreten! in lee-nia tsoo eye-nem gleed , ahn-ge-tray-ten Fall in shoulder to shoulder. Regular interval = one arm’s length. Close interval = one elbow’s length.

In marching column, fall in! Marshkolonne, Angetreten! in marsh-ko-loh-neh, ahn--ge-tray-ten) Fall in one behind the other. One arm’s length interval.

At Ease! Rührt, euch! rooehrt, oych Move left foot slightly forward of the right, at shoulder’s width, arms hanging with hands cupped and relaxed. Head and eyes straight.

Right, face! Rechts, um! reschts, oom Same as US Army. Two movements. Pivot on right heel, push with left toe. Snap heels together.

Left, face! Links, um! links, oom Same as US Army. Two movements. Pivot on left heel, push with right toe. Snap heels together.

Column left, march Links schwenkt, Marsch! links schvenkt, marsh Same as US Army. Called on left foot. Next right foot, front row performs movement. Next right foot, second row performs movement, etc… Command execution depends on size of marching unit.

Column right, march Rechts schwenkt, Marsch! rechts schvenkt, marsh Same as US Army. Called on right foot foot. Next left foot, front row performs movement. Next left foot, second row performs movement, etc… Command execution depends on size of marching unit.

Right flank, march! Rechts, um! reschts, oom Same as US Army. While in march, everyone performs a right face. Called on right foot. Turn on left next foot.

Left flank, march! Links, um! links, oom Same as US Army. While in march, everyone performs a left face. Called on left foot. Turn on next right foot.

About, face! Ganze Abteilung, Kehrt! or Kehrt, um! gantseh ab-ty-loong, kay’ert or kay’ert, oom Opposite as US Army. Bring left toe to outside right heel. Swing around in one movement. Keep body rigid.

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IN FORMATION/MARCHING (continued)

English German Pronunciation

Forward, march! Im gleichschritt, marsch! im glyshritt, marsh Same as US Army. Step off with left foot. Cadence is Eins-Zwei-Drei-Vier. Left foot falls on Eins and Drei. Right foot falls on Zwei and Vier.

Half-step march! Im halber Schritt, marsch! im halb-er schritt, marsh Forward march in half steps. Go to full step when given command “Marsch!”

Double-time march! Im Laufschritt, marsch! im lauf-shritt, marsh Running while in formation. Keep in step.

Route Step, March! Ohne Tritt, Marsch! ohneh trit, marsh Staying in formation, but do not have to stay in step or keep silent.

In combat column, March! In Reihe, Marsch! in ree-uh, marsh While in basic formation with two or more Gruppen. Unit forms a single file line from static position. Erste Gruppenführer leads, once last member passes the Zweite Gruppenführer, he follows, and so on.

Detachment, halt! Abteilung, halt! ab-tie’loong, halt Same as US Army. Called on either foot (preferably left). Once called, stop marching on next step. (Say to yourself, “Step, Stop!”)

Fall out! Wegtreten! vayg-tray-tin Execute “Kehrt, um!” and walk away.

Eyes, right/left! Augen, rechts /links! ow’gen, rechts/links In march or static. Snap head 45 degrees to right/left keeping body rigid. If in inspection, follow inspecting officer until your eyes are front, then keep them there.

Ready, front! Augen gerade, aus! ow’gen ge-rah-deh, ows Snap head forward keeping body rigid

Roll call, muster, or inspection Appell! ah-pel Action depends on specific situation.

Left shoulder, arms! Das Gewehr, über! das ge’vair, oober Shouldered to left rather than right like US Army. From Ab position. Weapon brought up with right hand (to chin level) in front of chest, catch with left hand right below the right hand (weapon 1 foot from body aligned with tunic buttons, bolt to the right). Drop left hand to butt of weapon while rotating the rifle 90 degrees counterclockwise moving it to your left shoulder. Heel of weapon should be pulled to body slightly below belt line, left elbow slightly out. Weapon should be nearly vertical. Once weapon is placed, right hand snaps back to right thigh.

Order arms! Gewehr, ab! ge’vair, ab Rifle at your right side, on ground, with bottom of buttplate next to your right toe. Right hand fingers extended, hand around top barrel. From “Das Gewehr, über” lower weapon with left hand while rotating it, grab upper part of weapon with right hand, swing weapon out to right side, with upper right arm parallel with ground, then place rifle on ground next to right toe.

Present, arms! Präsentiert das Gewehr! pray’sen-teert das ge’vair Only given from ”Das Gewehr, über.” Keep fingers extended. Rotate weapon 180 degrees clockwise. Right hand on lower sight. Left hand above trigger guard, fingers extended, thumb going up under bolt near your body. Top barrel band should be level with and centered to left eye.

Sling arms! Gewehr, umhängen! ge’vair, oom-haehng’en Casual movement to sling weapon on right shoulder.

Unsling arms! Gewehr, abnehmen! ge’vair, ab-nay’min Casual movement to unsling weapon, going back to Ab position.

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IN THE FIELD

English German Pronunciation Indian File! Schützenreihe! shuh’zen-rye’uh The Schützenreihe is the formation in which the squad in all in one column. It is used for all approaches and general movement in the field.

Skirmish Line! Schützenkette! shuh’zen-ket’uh The Schützenkette is the formation in which the squad is all in one row. It is used to get the group into firing positions for offensive actions.

Halt! Halt! halt At this command, immediately stop, remain standing with rifles at order arms. Wait where you are for orders.

Lay Down! Hinlegen! hi'n’leg’en At this command, immediately stop where you are and lay down. Be prepared to open fire. Wait for orders

Take Cover! Volle Deckung! fol'uh, deck’ung Seek individual cover. Be prepared to engage the enemy on command. Wait for orders.

Take positions! Stellung! shtel'ung Assume the Schützenkette position as required. Wait for orders.

Assemble! Sammeln! sahm’eln The squad will assemble in the Reihe formation (not the Schützenreihe) behind their squad leader.

Fire at will! Feuer Frei! foy'er, fry

To the right/left! Zu dem rechts/links! tsu, dem, rechts/links

Fall Back! Zurück! tsu'rook

Move Forward! Vorwärts! for'varts

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The Gruppe in Combat

The following is a partial translation from a War-time German manual as to the responsibilities of the soldiers in the Gruppe, as translated by Dan Aikins [Ref. 1].

General Principles

The Gruppenführer is the captain of his team. The Gruppe is the primary, basic unit put into battle. There is no such thing as the division of the Gruppe into Trupps with different assignments.

The Feuerkampf (firefight) is conducted in the framework of the Gruppe. When the situation requires commencing fire, the Gruppenführer, as a rule, positions himself by the MG and directs its fire. The Gewehrschützen (riflemen) may open fire early when good prospects present themselves; at the latest when the enemy is deployed for a breakthrough. Ideally, the Gewehrschützen wait for the command to fire from either the Gruppenführer or the Truppführer, or after the MG has begun to fire. The part of the Gruppe that doesn’t take part in the firefight is held back under cover when the terrain permits, and when it won’t affect the cohesion of the Gruppe.

As a rule, commencing fire is ordered/controlled by the Gruppenführer. The Gewehrschützen usually conduct the firefight on their own, unless the fire of all the riflemen is concentrated upon a single target by the Gruppenführer.

Examples for Opening Fire

MG & Gewehrschütze Separately

“MG: Geradeaus, Schornstein! - rechts davon im Acker, Schützen! Visier 400! - Stellung! Feuerfrei!”

(“MG: the chimney/smokestack straight ahead! To its right in the field! Sights at 400 meters!- Into position! Fire at will!”)

During the firefight the committing the riflemen becomes necessary:

“Schuetzen! Stellung! Marsch! Marsch! Feuer Frei!”

(“Riflemen! Into Position! Double-time, March! Fire at will!”)

The Entire Gruppe simultaneously

“Halbrechts im Waldrand Schützen! Ganze Gruppe: Visier 450! MG: 100 Schuss! Stellung! Feuer Frei!” (Right oblique into the treeline! Entire Group: sights 450 meters! MG: 100 rounds! Into position! Fire at will!”)

“Ganze Gruppe! Stellung! Marsch! Marsch! Feuerfrei!” (Entire Group! Into position! Double-time, March! Fire at will!”)

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General Combat

In order to insure accurate operation of the MG, insure the belt is perfect during preparing the MG to fire. Every Schütze checks his own weapon and ammunition during fire-pauses. The fire readiness of the MG is ensured by having the bolt in the forward position, the drum hung or belt loaded.

All means for increasing fire-effectiveness must be used. Surprise and flanking fire from all ranges (distances) against all targets is especially effective. This multiplies the fire-effectiveness and frazzles the nerves of the foe.

The MG and Gewehrschützen should always strive to pop-up by surprise and aggressively come into action. The victor is he who lays down the most accurate fire on his opponent the quickest. The MG and riflemen then disappear as soon as the intention of the fire is accomplished (Never lay around as an inactive target!). When necessary, change positions under cover/concealment. Preparations for opening fire are always made under any available cover.

The soldier engages the targets ordered against widely dispersed targets, the portions of the target most directly opposite (in his front). When the choice of target is left to the soldier, he again generally engages the targets most directly opposite his position. Every soldier must know the unit’s battle mission and what the commander’s intent is. Under the most opportune conditions, the beaten zone of fire will also cover targets not specifically included in the unit’s combat mission, if engaging the targets promises especially good results, and the combat situation permits it.

The rear sights are set to the determined distance. The soldier can determine the accuracy of his fire from the behavior of the enemy and from observing where the rounds are striking. After moving forward, the sights are of course readjusted.

Fire Discipline in All Types of Combat

The aim of the firefight is achieving fire superiority through the strong application of fire discipline. This is expressed through the selection of individual fighting positions, preparation of the fire positions (camouflage, cover, and concealment) the correct range selection of the sights, choice of proper targets, opening fire, and assignment of fire sectors. Fire discipline is therefore the prerequisite to the successful firefight. It must also be enforced after strenuous exertions (marching/fighting).

After fire superiority is achieved, the Gruppenführer will direct the Gruppe to advance or flank to wipe out the enemy.

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Requirements

In order join our unit, each new Rekrut is required to first become a member of the WWII History Center Museum. The money you pay to join goes to support the Museum and the WWII Reenacting Corps, to help put on reenacting events, and to cover insurance costs. Also, the WWIIHC plays a fundamental part in the basis of our reenacting units. The Museum sponsors several events a year – events in which reenactors “bring to life” what the Museum stands for. The mutual support between our reenacting units and the WWII History Center is crucial.

Next, to become a full member in our unit, each Rekrut must obtain Tier I of the Uniform and Equipment Requirements.

Uniform and equipment requirements are discussed in the following sections.

Uniform and Equipment

Those wishing to volunteer for the World War II History Center's German Army reenacting unit will need to acquire the following list of minimum requirements in order to participate as a reenacting volunteer. Authenticity is important for the hobby and for our unit, but we strongly encourage that you do not use original items while reenacting. They are a part of history; using these items to reenact with could damage or destroy them. On the other hand, poor quality reproduction items are not acceptable either. There are several dealers online who sell quality reproduction items, but there are also several vendors who are not highly recommended. Please ask questions to your Unit Commander or Comrades for help obtaining uniform items or equipment. Also, if you are planning on buying post War items (i.e. – East or West German), it must be approved by the Unit Commander first. If you have items or equipment that is not authentic or an approved reproduction, the Unit Commander has the authority to deny its use at events. Don’t waste your money on something if you are not sure if it will pass or not – ask questions!

The following list details the basic item requirements to become a member of the 352.Inf-Div. Once these items have been obtained, you will be promoted to Grenadier, and will be a full member of our unit.

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Uniform and Equipment Tier Level Requirements

TIER I – BASIC IMPRESSION

It doesn’t have to be German, but it does have to be of the same Mauser design (e.g. – Most Czech and Yugo models are okay). These can be found at most gun shows. The rifle might or might not have a site Mauser K98k Rifle (Gewher) cover – this is not necessary. Your rifle will need a cleaning rod and needs to have the bayonet attachment. If the rifle does not have a bayonet attachment, then it is not an infantry rifle. M40 or M42. Try to not buy an M35. It can be field Steel Helmet (Stahlhelm) grey (light green) or depot green (dark green). Do not get a black helmet. These are optional items, but are not recommended. Orders were issued early in the War to remove the National Colors decal first, then orders came to Helmet Decals remove both decals all together. Most young Soldaten in the 352nd Infantry Division would not have had helmet decals. M40, M42 or M43. Do not buy an M35 or an M44. M35's are reserved for Division Cadre, and we already have enough Soldaten with the M35. Yes, it is a good Tunic (Feldbluse) looking uniform, but it wasn't standard issue and was only worn by officers and Alte Hasse by mid-1944. M44's were only used very late in the War. M37 or M43. M43 trousers are recommended because you Trousers (Feldhose) can either use suspenders or a belt. Trouser Suspenders or Trouser Belt This is dependent on what type of trousers you get. (Feldhosenträger oder Feldhosengürtel) These can be a bit pricey for what they are, so East or West German sleeping shirts are acceptable. They Service Shirt (Diensthemd) should be green or white. The white shirts may or may not have a collar (a collar is recommended, though). German reproduction boots, rough outer leather, Low Boots with Army Gaiters leather sole, heel iron and hobnails required. No (Schnürschuhe mit Heer post-war models accepted. No Swedish low boots. Gamaschen) Boots may be dyed black or brown. Gaiters should be green or brown canvas with leather straps. Enlisted Man Belt with Army Buckle Black leather belt with the "Got mit uns" Army belt (Leibriemen mit buckle. Koppelschloss) Enlisted Man Collar Tabs The collar tabs can either be generic mid or late war (Litzen) (colorless stripes) or infantry (white stripes). Enlisted Man Infantry Shoulder White piped, field grey shoulder boards (not bottle Boards (Infanterie green). Schulterklappen) Enlisted Man Late War Army Breast Mid to late War design. Eagle (Reichsadler am Brust)

TIER II – COMPLETE IMPRESSION

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This is a list of the equipment required for you to participate in a public display, a public battle or a tactical reenactment. Once you obtain these items you will be promoted to the rank of Grenadier (private).

Black leather, not webbing. Do not get post-war Y-Straps straps - most of them have padding and are of the (Koppeltragegestell) wrong design. One set of four hooks. This is an optional item. Some people like the hooks because it helps Tunic Belt Hooks distribute the weight of your gear and keep your belt (Feldblusegurthaken) from sliding down. Other people don't like them because they dig into your side. Either the M38 side cap (or overseas cap) and/or the M43 field cap. The M38 requires the cap eagle and cockdale, and you can get white infantry soutache if Field Cap (Feldmütze) you like. The M43 requires the late war trapezoid eagle/cockdale combination. (Do not get the crooked- wing eagle cap patch). Having the gas mask is nice, but not necessary. In Gas Mask Can with Straps fact, the empty gas mask can is a great water-proof (Tragebüchse) place to store a lot of stuff (food, camera, farby stuff, etc…) Entrenching Tool with Carrier Standard or folding entrenching tool. The standard E- (Kleines Schanzzeug mit Tool is recommended. Schanzzeugtasche) K98 Bayonet with Frog The bayonet does not have to be original. They (Seitengewehr mit bayonet frog needs to be black leather. Seitengewehrtasche) K98 Ammo Pouches Two black leather pouches with white stitching – holds (Patronentasche) 60 rounds (12 5-round clips). Ask before buying this item – There are several post- Mess Kit with Utensils war models of mess kits around – some are more (Kochgeshirr mit Geshirr) acceptable than others. Utensils can be war-time models or post-war. Best to ask before buying this. There are several bad Breadbag (Brotbeutel) copies out there. Canteen with Cover, Cup and M31 Canteen, preferred 0.8L but if that is not Straps possible, the 1L version will be okay. These are (Feldflasche mit Abdeckung, getting hard to find, so some post-war converted Trinkbecher und Riemen) models are acceptable – ask before buying. Splinter camo, reversible pattern. Do not get Shelter Quarter (Zeltbahn) the SS Zelts, which are Oak Leaf pattern.

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TIER III – OPTIONAL ADVANCED ITEMS

The items listed here are completely optional to buy, but will enhance your impression and the impression of the unit as a whole. Starred items (*) require commander approval before you can use them as a part of your impression with the 352.Infanterie Division. It’s the small things that really make your impression believable and immersive not only for you, but for those around you.

These tunics are pre-war tunics, and are reserved for M35 Tunic (Feldbluse) the Cadre and leadership of the Division. HBTs are lighter uniforms that are much more HBT comfortable in the warmer months. A good idea, Uniform (Fischgrätmuster especially for our part of the country. The Uniform) temperature in Kansas in summer is about 15-20° F hotter than it was in summer in northern Europe. Having an extra belt and buckle for a walking-out Walking-Out Belt with uniform is very helpful, as it can be a real pain Buckle taking all the gear and equipment off of your combat belt. Small piece of cotton material that goes around the Collar Blind (Kragenbinde) inside of your tunic collar and protects your neck from getting scratched up. M40 or M43 . A heavy duty large coat that keeps you Great Coat (Übermantel) very warm. To include wool gloves (Handschuhe), a toque (Toque) Cold Weather Gear and a scarf (Schal). This can be either splinter pattern with a hood, or Camouflage Smock/Parka * white for winter battles. Several Soldaten can wear (Tarnhemd/Tarnanzug) winter camo, but only one Soldaten per ten may wear a camo smock at an event. This could be the splinter camo cover (only one per Helmet ten men allowed), chicken wire, a rubber band or a Cover (Tarnhelmüberzug) bread bag strap. The Jackboots (originally brown, but dyed black, with rough outer leather, leather soles, heel iron and hobnails) may be obtained after you already have the Jackboots (Marschstiefel) low boots. The boots must be dyed black. No post-war boots accepted (post-war boots are smooth, shiny leather and they do not have heel irons or hobnails and often have rubber soles). M38 Gas Mask (Gasmaske) A great addition to fill that gas mask container! A-Frame with Assault A-Frames are pretty easy to find. A good replica Pack (Gefechtsgepäck und assault pack is not. Ask if you need help finding the Beutel) right assault pack. This is the standard small bag issued to all infantry M34 Tornister Pack with soldiers (the one with the fur) and is used to carry Tornister Straps (Tornister much of the soldier’s personal items for long mit Riemen) marches. War-time model preferred. If you get post-war models, you can bring them to events to carry your stuff, but you won’t be able to use them in the event. Try and keep them out of sight. It’s much better to have a Rucksack (Rucksack) post-war rucksack or large duffle bag that looks close to war-time to hide all your farby stuff in rather than just have all of your farby stuff laying around. Extra Equipment Straps for your field blanket, your overcoat, and other (Trageriemen) random gear.

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These can be post-war – they just need to be of the same basic style and color as what the Germans might Army Blanket have had access to. They do not need to be stamped (Manschaftsdecken) like the originals.

A great little stove used to heat up cans of food or Esbit Stove with Fuel to heat up a cup of water. It is fueled with small Tablets tablets. In most tunics, there’s a small pocket inside on the right side near the bottom. This little pocket holds First Aid Package a small first aid package. It’s a small detail, but (Verbandpäckchen) it will come in handy if there really is an injury in the field. A good dish that is waterproof and holds butter, lard, Butter Dish (Fettdose) peanut butter, etc... The more the unit has, the better. It takes 4 Zelts Extra Zeltbahns to make a small tent (2-man tent) and 8 Zelts to make a large tent (6-8 man tent). Our unit already has two phones and over a quarter of M33 Field Phone with Como a mile of wire, but the more phones, the better we can Wire (Feldfernsprecher 33) operate in the field. Filling out your Soldbuch is a lengthy and somewhat Army Soldier's Book with difficult task, but you can get help from the Division Cover Cadre, and there are services that can do it for (Heer Soldbuch mit Einband) you. Leutnant Runge has 352.Infanterie- Division stamps for the book. Preferably, the tag needs to be zinc, but aluminum or Dog Tag with Cord steel are acceptable. Tag printing is available – ask (Erkennungsmarken) Leutnant Runge for details. You can also get a leather tag cover. Such as the blue checkered bed sheets, period towels Barracks Items and clothing bags. Assorted Personal Items such as song book, prayer book, postcards, pictures, (Persönliche Gegenstände) letters, skat cards, etc… Can be bought or built on your own (for much cheaper). These are great to carry your gear in and Wooden Crates (Holzkisten) look good in camp. Ask Leutnant Runge or Unterfeldwebel Kepley about how to build your own crates. Steel 8mm ammo cans for the machine guns. There are post-war copies that are close. Try not getting the 7.62mm versions, because 8mm rounds won’t fit in them Ammo Cans (Munitionskiste) laying down. Having a lot of these, especially if we have a machine gun, would make sense, and they are great for holding all of your ammo and other items. Fake stick grenades or hand grenades can be used at Dummy Grenades events. Some of these fake grenades can be made to (Stielhandgranate) smoke or pop with small fireworks.

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Other weapons may be purchased and used, so long as they are properly functioning, legal weapons. Every weapon, at every event, will be examined before the event. Any weapon determined not safe will not be allowed at the event. Non-functional weapons cannot be used in public battles or tacticals, but may be shown as part of a public display. The following weapons can be obtained and used unrestricted without prior approval: MG34, MG42, P08 Luger, P38 Walther, K41, G43 or the StG44. Generally, MP38s and MP40s are reserved for officers and NCOs. Exceptions must be cleared with the Unit Commander. Any other weapons that you may want to use that are not in this list, but were used by the German Army, need to be approved for use at each event. These can include, but are not limited to, any Other Weapons Russian weapons, any Italian weapons, any French weapons, the Panzerfaust, Panzerschreck, other models of German machine guns and 5-cm and 8-cm mortars, among others. The reason these need to be approved on an event-by-event basis is because we want to maintain a certain level of accuracy. For example, we cannot have a whole squad of Germans running around with Russian weapons in an ETO tactical. If you have one of these restricted weapons, you will be able to use it at some events, but probably not at all events. Weapons that are not allowed for use at any352.Infanterie-Division events include, but are not limited to, obvious long-barreled sub-machine guns (particularly the long-barreled PPS-43). These such weapons violate our unit's 10-Foot Accuracy Rule, and severely detracts from your impression.

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Awards, Decorations and Promotions

Special thanks to the Cyrus A. Lee and the LSSAH (http://www.lssah.com/) [Ref. 6]. The 352.Infanterie-Division’s Awards and Decorations Criteria are primarily based off of their model.

This article is designed to outline the Awards and Decorations and promotion criteria of the 352.Infanterie-Division.

Unlike many of the other major powers during World War II, the German soldier commonly wore their awards and decorations on their uniform into battle. In our attempt to keep as true to Wehrmacht rules and regulations as possible, the 352.ID authorizes some awards and decorations to be obtainable by our reenactors. Awards and decorations for valor, in most cases, are not obtainable. In reenacting, we are not truly putting our lives at risk; therefore, “earning” such awards would not be respectful to those who really did so during the War. When an individual earns an award, they should know its history and how it was really earned. This not only honors the German soldiers’ memory, but it allows that individual to teach others what the award is and what it means to earn it.

Individual awards and decorations in the 352.ID are earned based on an ACT/ECP (Actual Combat Time/Earned Credit Points) system. This system authorizes awards and rank advancement for active participation and attendance at authorized events and/or functions.

Awards can also be granted at the discretion of the 352.ID Commander. This document can also be edited and updated in the future as to meet the needs of the 352.ID.

The following criteria clarify what’s required to earn awards and decorations.

A. Events/Battles – Any 352.ID approved tactical or non-tactical event for the purposes of furthering the objectives of the 352.ID. Authorized events are cleared by the 352.ID Commander. B. Actual Combat Time (ACT) – Time actually spent in uniform while conducting tactical maneuvers against an armed opponent. Time spent in the conduct of guard or sentry duty at authorized functions also counts as ACT credit. One hour is equal to one ACT. Cumulative ACTs may also be applied towards ECPs for purposes of event credit. Personnel participating in authentic camping will be authorized for an additional 5 ACTs per night in the field at authorized events. ACTs cannot be earned in training events. C. Earned Credit Points (ECP) – Earned Credit Points are a means of keeping track of you activity in the 352.ID. ECPs are earned by accomplishing the following: i. 1 ECP awarded for each 25 miles driven to an authorized event up to 500 miles. a. For travel over 500 miles, 2 ECPs will be awarded for each 25 miles driven over 500 miles. ii. 1 ECP awarded for each day actually participating in an approved event. iii. 1 ECP awarded for each 4 ACTs at one approved event. iv. 1 ECP awarded for staying and helping takedown equipment and loading up after an event. v. Extra ECPs will be awarded at the discretion of the 352.ID Commander. vi. ½ ECP awarded for each hour spent at a training event. The exception to this is if over 500 miles are traveled to attend the event, then the ECPs awarded for the travel over 500 miles will be counted the same. Only the time spent at a training event will earn ½ ECP per hour.

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D. Leadership – Recognized demonstration of performance exceptionally above and beyond the call of duty of the Soldat’s peers, that has directly resulted in significantly improving the tactical impression or proficiency or administrative performance of his section or unit will be noted in the Soldat’s dossier, as kept by the 352.ID Commander. Such leadership shows initiative and thinking, and will be taken into consideration for promotion. Demonstration of quality supervision and control of subordinates are the two primary areas that will be evaluated for the award of any leadership decorations. E. Service – Service or contributions which, over a period of time, clearly distinguish one Soldat over his peers. Service can be in the form of volunteer time, providing/publishing information, or providing the unit with equipment/weapons/uniforms, etc... F. Achievement – Acts or series of acts well above the expected performance of duty or a contribution so unique or exceptional that it has an impact which significantly improves reenacting or the unit as a whole. This can include improving morale, enhancing authenticity, or improving performance or proficiency (not related to leadership). G. Military Service – Recognition of unit members who have honorably served or are presently serving in the US Armed Forces in any component – Active, Reserve or National Guard.

Medals, Badges, Ribbon Bars and Award Criteria

Definitions

The following are definitions related to the awards and decorations of the Wehrmacht:

Ribbons – A ribbon is an award in which a ribbon from the award can be sewn onto the tunic and worn through the second button hole.

Ribbon Bar – A ribbon bar can be worn to represent any medals which are normally of a Second Class nature and not authorized for wear in the second button hole of the tunic. The Iron Cross 2nd Class, Eastern Front Medal and War Service Cross 2nd Class with Swords are so authorized.

Medal – A commemorative medallion normally suspended from a ribbon and worn on more formal occasions. These are normally not for routine wear.

Badge – Normally a badge is an award of First Class nature or of a special qualification, such as the Iron Cross 1st Class or the Infantry Assault Badge.

Without Swords – Achievement or service of an administrative nature, such as a non-combatant military service or in the case of a unit award such as publishing a unit newsletter.

With Swords – Achievement or service of a combat related nature. This is actual military service or an act such as supplying weapons and/or supplies to the unit for use in tactical battles and public events.

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Awards and Decorations Summary Table

The following table summarizes the German award and/or decoration, its abbreviation, and what is required to obtain it, or its U.S. Armed Forces equivalence. Award/Decoration Abbreviation Requirements:

Grenadier Gren. Acquire all gear/uniform Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves KCw/OL Congressional Medal of Honor Silver Star w/ V Device Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves KC Distinguished Service Cross Distinguished Service Medal Distinguished Flying Cross War Order of the German Cross WOGC Legion of Merit Silver Star AFRIKA Cuff Title (Commemorative) ACT Military Service in Africa, Middle East Anti-Partisan Guerrilla Warfare Badge in Bronze BDA Global War on Terrorism Service Medal 75 ACTs (non-military member) War Merit Cross with Swords, 2nd Class KVKII Action not eligible for EKII Vietnam Service Medal Southwest Asia Service Medal Good Conduct Medal War Merit Cross with Swords, 1st Class KVKI Army Achievement Medal National Defense Service Medal 75 ACTs (military member) Action not eligible for EKII 100 ACTs Iron Cross II Class EKII Action not eligible for EKI Meritorious Service Medal Bronze Star Soldier Medal Iron Cross I Class EKI 150 ACTs Action not eligible for German Cross EKII EKI German Cross in Silver DKS Action above/beyond call of duty Providing significantly to unit Close Combat Clasp in Bronze CCCB 175 ACTs Bronze Star w/ V Device Close Combat Clasp in Silver CCCS Combat Infantryman Badge (x2) 250 ACTs Close Combat Clasp in Gold CCCG 450 ACTs Expert Infantryman’s Badge Ranger Tab Amphibious Reconnaissance USMC Infantry Assault Badge in Silver IABS Mountain Warfare Leader USMC Combat Infantryman’s Badge 50 ACTs Purple Heart Wound Badge in Black WBB 1 injury Purple Heart (x2) Wound Badge in Silver WBS 2 injuries Purple Heart (3+) Wound Badge in Gold WBG 3+ injuries Destroy/capture 1 tank Tank Destruction Badge in Silver TDBS Destroy/capture 3 armored vehicles Destroy/capture 5 tank Tank Destruction Badge in Gold TDBG Destroy/capture 15 armored vehicles Vehicle driver at 3 events Driver's Badge DB Provide vehicle to the unit West Wall Medal WWM 20 hrs permanent construction on the WWII History Center's Battlefield East Front Medal EFM 5+ Battles against Russian forces Under 39 Czech/Sudetenland Annexation Medal SAM 600 ECPs Over 40 Silesian Eagle SE 600 ECPs Under 39 Memel Medal MM 800 ECPs Over 40 Baltic Cross BK 800 ECPs Under 39 Anschluss Medal AM 1000 ECPs Over 40 Bavarian Military Merit Cross BMMK 1000 ECPs Under 39 Honor Roll Clasp of the Army HRCdW 1400 ECPs Over 40 Honor Cross HC 1400 ECPs

Wehrmacht Long Service Award Silver Medal WLSASM 4 years service

Wehrmacht Long Service Award Gold Medal WLSAGM 5-12 years service Wehrmacht Long Service Award Silver Cross WLSASC 13-18 years service Wehrmacht Long Service Award Gold Cross WLSAGC 19-25 years service WLSA Gold Cross/Medal and Oak Leaves WLSAGCOL +25 years service

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Miscellaneous Awards and Award Criteria

Additional civilian or military acquired skills may qualify for a German equivalency award. Issuance of any other awards not covered in this model must be reviewed and approved by the 352.ID Commander on a case-by-case basis.

Award and Decoration Process

The 352.ID Commander will notify the individual up for an award in person, by means of email, or by phone. The 352.ID Commander will inform the individual that they are eligible for the award and what action the individual took to become eligible for such an award. The Commander will then ask if the individual accepts the award. The individual is free to decline an award. If the individual accepts, the 352.ID Commander will note the award in the individual’s dossier.

The individual will then be notified that the award has been recorded, and they are free to find and order the award. DO NOT order the award before this notification. Each member of the 352.ID is responsible for finding and purchasing their own awards. Refer to the Links section of the website as to find vendors who sell original and/or reproduction awards and decorations. Once they have received the award, if they would like, the 352.ID Commander will present the award to the individual in front of the entire unit at the next unit gathering.

Award Precedence and Method of Wear

Awards are worn on the wearer’s left breast pocket with the highest award centered on the pocket. Lesser awards are worn on the bottom of the pocket with the most prestigious to the wearer’s right (nearest the heart). Pinback awards are normal worn suspended from small loops, not pushed through the uniform fabric. Close Combat Clasps are worn above the left pocket above the bar of awards ribbons. The Iron Cross, War Merit Cross and Eastern Front Medals ribbons taken directly from the award can be worn without a bar inserted through the second button-hole and sewn behind the tunic flap. The most prestigious is worn most exposed. The order of precedence is: Iron Cross; War Merit Cross; Eastern Front Medal.

Each member of the 352.ID may earn as many awards as is possible. However, to avoid looking like a Field Marshall when you are only an Grenadier, the number of awards to be worn at any one time at any event will be limited to three, not to include ribbons. Exceptions to this rule must be cleared through the 352.ID Commander.

Also, on the other hand, because you earn an award does not mean that you have to buy and/or wear it if you do not want to.

Members caught wearing awards that they have not earned will be disciplined, as seen fit by the 352.ID Commander. Disciplinary action can take the form of the stripping of all previously earned awards and/or demotion in rank.

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Promotion Criteria

The promotion of rank is a privilege, and not a right. After a Recruit has obtained all required uniform items and field gear, he will be promoted to the rank of Grenadier. Further promotions are dependent on the activity level, knowledge, leadership ability, dedication and desire of the Soldat to advance in rank. Promotion to any rank will be based upon these criteria and a need for their rank within the 352.ID. The size of the 352.ID will dictate how many of each rank will be needed. Unit members who show potential for promotion will be evaluated by the following characteristics:  ACT/ECP points accumulated  Good attendance at tactical/public events  Good attendance at unit meetings, loading/unloading sessions and training sessions  Acceptable uniform/equipment impression  Contributes through projects, extra duties, etc...  Good soldering skills  Good knowledge of the 352.ID and WWII history  Basic knowledge of tactics a commands  Basic knowledge of German commands and marching songs  Time spent as a member of the 352.ID  Recommendation by peers and/or superiors  352.ID’s need for a promotion at a given rank

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Songs

Music has been an integral part of a soldier’s life for centuries – especially for the German soldier. Marching music was played to and from battle. Songs were sung with comrades during downtime. Music and singing was an indication of unit morale, used to express feelings of joy or homesickness, patriotism and hopes and dreams about the girl back home.

Although not required, it is highly encouraged that the Rekrut and other member of the unit learns songs and music from the era.

Below are a couple of songs. If interested, you can ask Leutnant Runge for more music, or find much more sheet music and songs online.

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Documentation

1. Aikins, Dan. The Firefight & Actions in Combat. . 23 January 2011. 2. Bocek, Jon and Oehler, Pat. Der Erste Zug. [www.dererstezug.com]. 2005. 01 Jan 2010. 3. Cowdery, Ray. Papers Please!: Identity Documents, Permits and Authorizations of the Third Reich. Victory WW2 Publishing Ltd, 1 ed., 1996. 4. http://www.dererstezug.com/behavior.htm 5. http://www.dererstezug.com/salutes.htm 6. http://www.lssah.com 7. International Military Antiques Catalogue V102, December 2010.