German Forces

Johann Schwerdfeger - Sergeant Steiner ?

Formal studio portarait of Oberfeldwebel Johann Schwerdfeger, a pre-war professional soldier, probably created in connection with his award of the Oak Leaves to the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, May 1944. The novel, "The Willing Flesh", by veteran Willi Heinrich, and the movie "Cross of Iron", based on the novel, is generally recognised as being loosely based on Schwerdfeger's experiences as a Feldwebel with Jager Regiment 228 of 101 Jager Division in the coursed of that unit's retreat through the Kuban and Taman Peninsula. If this is "Steiner", he is a worthy model. In this portrait, part from the Oak Leaves, he is wearing the Wound Badge in Silver and two Tank Destruction Badges. Best regards, Jr.