Description
WEHRPASS – GÜNTHER HEDLER – OBERGEFREITER – WWI VETERAN – 1939 POLAND CAMPAIGN
DETAILS:
Wehrpass issued to GÜNTHER HEDLER, born 3 September 1899 in Wunsiedel. Occupation recorded as Steinmetz (stone worker). Issued at Marktredwitz on 11 December 1937, documenting pre-war registration and later wartime service.
Hedler is a confirmed World War I veteran, with service recorded in Infanterie-Regiment 20 (K.B. I.R.), and subsequent integration into the Wehrmacht system during the late 1930s.
Medical classification (Musterung) entries show progression to Landwehr I A status, indicating full fitness for service. A later wartime examination on 23 August 1944 (Wehrbezirkskommando Coburg) reconfirms him as kriegsverwendungsfähig (fit for war duty), reflecting continued eligibility during late-war manpower demands.
Extensive WWII field service is documented through replacement and frontline support formations, including Feldersatz and Genesenden (convalescent) units, typical of soldiers cycled between frontline and recovery roles.
A detailed combat record from the 1939 Poland Campaign is present, listing multiple engagements and operations and clearly placing Heidler in frontline combat during the opening phase of the war.
The document records a combat wound caused by grenade splinters, with corresponding award of the Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz (Black Wound Badge), confirming direct frontline exposure.
Training entries include qualification with the Gewehr 98. Promotion to Obergefreiter is recorded on 30 May 1937.
The Wehrpass is complete with strong handwritten entries, official stamps, and signatures throughout. The original portrait photograph remains affixed, showing Heidler in civilian attire with period over-stamps and signature.
AWARDS:
- Ehrenkreuz für Frontkämpfer (Hindenburg Cross) – 11 December 1934
- Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz (Black Wound Badge)
PROMOTIONS:
- Obergefreiter – 30 May 1937
UNITS:
- Infanterie-Regiment 20 (WWI service)
- Schützen / Feldersatz-Kompanie 46
- Genesenden-Kompanie, Infanterie-Ersatz-Bataillon 42 (Bayreuth)
COMBAT SERVICE:
- Poland Campaign 1939
- Engagements near Wieluń
- Fighting along the Warta River
- Operations on the Vistula line
- Encirclement and assault of Warsaw
- Combat near Radom
- Advance and pursuit operations during the campaign
