Can anyone help us identify the 2nd button hole ribbon on this tunic? The upper ribbon appears to be an Iron Cross 2nd Class. However the bottom ribbon which appears to be a light color center bordered by two darker stripes. The photo was taken ca. 1942 in Southern Russia. 76 ID. According to this Feldwebel's timeline and some general research we have concluded that this Staff Sergeant served in the 76 ID / 178 Infantry Regiment, and may in fact have been a Cadre. His Wehrpass documents him in Romania on the 16th thru the 31st of March 1941 and then May 14th thru 11th of June of 1941 training Romanians for Operation Barbarossa. The 76th ID in that capacity is documented. Further this individual is also fluent in French according to his family. Thus we believe the second ribbon indicates he fought and commanded foreign fighters in the field up until the battle of Stalingrad. This could be the Award for bravery and merit for members of the Eastern Peoples 'Tapferkeits- und Verdienstauszeichnung für Angehörige der Ostvölker'. As a cadre it would make sense to wear the decoration as a motivational gesture to his foreign subordinates. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
