norwest78

Thanks, Paul!

No, not cigars, LOL. But they don't look like any flare cartridges that I've seen. Perhaps Jos or somebody else has seen these before?

I like their cigar holders.

That's an interesting one, Snoop-dog. Who are those guys with the LW soldier?

The Blues Brothers!

After reading Angolia's book on military awards, I came away not very clear on the distinction between awards and decorations, and how they should be worn. For example, as I understand it, there is no EKI on the ribbon bar, because decorations do not go on the ribbon bar. So, I assume that means that the EKII is an award rather than a decoration? How is one to know these subtle differences? Is there a reference which clearly lists orders, decorations, awards, qualification badges, etc.? Regards, Kevin

If anybody else has more of these press photos, I'd love to see them!

These are good-sized photos at 5x7 inches. I think that they are press photos, but I wouldn't swear to it. Anybody know what their origin is? I'll post the back of each photo, also, showing the labels. Regards, Kevin

That's all for now!

As you can see, I like air gunners!

I scanned some of my collection. Here they are.

As I see it, the soldier had good reason to wear both badges because of the non-overlapping actions, even if it was not regulation. By the books, he should have turned in his Heer GAB when the Luft GAB was instituted. I wonder if the actions would have been totalled, however, if he got close enough to qualifying for a numbered GAB? Regards, Kevin

I thought that the Luft GAB replaced the Heer GAB once it was instituted, and only the Luft GAB should have been worn.

Yes, he is also wearing the customs service medal. Makes me wonder what his career path was...

Another thing to note is that Albert obviously spent some time in Czechoslovakia. He has the 1 Oct 1938 medal with Prague bar, and his portraits were also taken in a Czech studio (Lanzhot).

Wow, there's a guy who probably got more action than he bargained for! Thanks for sharing the story.

Back of photo with name.

Landespolizei ausweis for Albert Pfaffenberger, dated Feb. 1935, just before Hitler disbanded the Landespolizei in May of 1935. Many of the former members went to the army, as did Albert. I've included a couple of photos of him in his Heer uniform. Unfortunately, no photos of him in his police uniform. Regards, Kevin

Here's an unusual one I saw on ebay. Couldn't afford to buy it though -- it sold for big $$$