Sterbebilder, Remembrance Card, Gefr. Georg Maierhofer, Grenadier-Regiment 339, Heer, 1943

Rare genuine WWII German remembrance card, of the Sterbebilder type.

The tradition of editing a 'death card' in memory of a serviceman who gave his life for his country dates back to the Great War; just a few dozen of copies were generally printed by the family, being intended for relatives and close friends of the deceased only. Most remembrance cards feature a portrait and a prayer, or any other type of religous or patriotic reference.

Apart from the latter's name and age, the document indicates his branch of service as well as the date of his death and the area where the action took place. For security reasons, the unit and exact location were rarely disclosed. 

The present card is dedicated to the memory of some Gefreiter Georg Maierhofer, a recipient of the Tank Badge (Panzersturmabzeichen) and Eastern Medal (Ostmedaille) serving in some anti-tank unit of the Heer, who died on March 31, 1943 at 22 years of age. The reverse is adorned with two holy pictures.

Georg Maierhofer was born on March 17, 1921 in Deinöd, Bavaria and went on to serve with 14. Kompanie, Grenadier-Regiment 339 and Infanterie (Panzer-Jäger)-Ersatz-Kompanie 517. He was killed in the vicinity of Yamnoye, southwestern Russia.

Very good overall condition.

Format when unfolded: 3.8in x 4.64in.

Illustration document available in digital format only.