German WWII Infantry Oberleutnant, 72nd Rgt, Shoulder Strap
This item is listed for historical interest only. It was listed on our site previously but has been sold and is no longer available for purchase.
Sold for: $65.00

Original era manufacture. A sew-in pattern strap which has been cut from a uniform. During WWII,  the 72nd Regiment formed part of the 46th Infantry Division, and that division was involved in a very interesting incident during the winter of 1941-42. While defending the approaches to the Crimea on the Kerch peninsula, the 46th was attacked by two Soviet Armies. Ordered to hold at all costs, the divisional commander General Himer, and Corps Commander von Sponek, decided to retreat against orders rather than have the division destroyed. This act so infuriated Field Marshall von Reichenau that he stripped the division of its banners and honors. Hitler removed Himer & von Sponek from command and a few weeks later von Reichenau was dead, and his replacement von Bock ordered the banners and honors restored.The division ended the war in Czechoslovakia, surrendering to the Russians in May of 1945.