Sterbebilder, Remembrance Card, Ob. Gefr. Josef Forsthuber, Grenadier-Regiment 979, Heer, July 15, 1944, Normandy

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 Obergefreiter Josef Forsthuber, a recipient of the 2nd Class Iron Class serving in some Grenadier-Regiment of the Heer, who was killed in France on July 15, 1944 at 21 years of age.

Born on September 29, 1923 in Schardenberg, Austria and killed in action during the Battle of Normandy while serving with 3. Kompanie, Grenadier-Regiment 979, he was buried in the German military cemetery in La Cambe, Normandy, France.

https://fr.findagrave.com/memorial/128804808/josef-forsthuber

https://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gliederungen/Grenadieregimenter/GR979-R.htm

Excellent overall condition.

Format when unfolded: 4in x 4.6in.

Illustration document available in digital format only.