Obergefreiter Hund

Exhausted Waffen SS soldier from the 22th Waffen SS "Maria Theresia" Cavalry after the breakout from the enclosured city of Budapest. February of 1945

It's Over

Paul Hausser, "father of the Waffen-SS", wearing the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords, and the insignia of SS-Oberstgruppenfuhrer and Generaloberst of the Waffen-SS.  Hausser was one of only four men accorded this rank (and one of those - Franz-Xavier Schwarz - is counted as an honorary appointment).  This 'photo probably dates from the last days of the war - Hausser was severely wounded (almost killed or captured) in the German breakout from the Falaise Pocket in Normandy, only returning to duty at the beginning of 1945.  Best regards, JR.