Sterbebilder, Remembrance Card, Ob. Gefr. Johann Schneck, Fallschirmjäger-Regiment 6, June 8, 1944, Normandy

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 Johann Schneck, serving in the Luftwaffe, who was killed near Carentan, Normandy, France on June 8, 1944.

Johann Schneck was born on September 8, 1921 in Lohberg, Bavaria. Probably serving with Fallschirmjäger-Regiment 6, he was killed in action when his unit encountered elements of 506th PIR, 101st Airborne Division at Saint-Côme-du-Mont, near Carentan.

Good overall condition.

Format (folded): 2.35in x 4.15in.