Who is this Ardennes soldier?

[Harro]

But first. Could it be the same person? Here is the docu.

Impossible to say

[Jochen S.]

Maeger indeed was a member of SS Pz.Gren.Rgt.1 but did not participate in the Bulge. During the end of 1943 he got wounded and after he served in a medical unit. 1945 Battle for Berlin and became a sowjet POW, with a lot of luck only until August 14th, 1945.(Pers. correspondence in 2003)

[Joms]

Maeger indeed was a member of SS Pz.Gren.Rgt.1 but did not participate in the Bulge. During the end of 1943 he got wounded and after he served in a medical unit. 1945 Battle for Berlin and became a sowjet POW, with a lot of luck only until August 14th, 1945.(Pers. correspondence in 2003)

Is it Heinz or Herbert you talk about?

[Jochen S.]

Both. I believe one and the same person.

[CHARLEMAGNE 4]

Another photo of him.
From : http://www.eaglehorse.org/3_home_statio ... /bulge.htm

[CHARLEMAGNE 4]

The same man.
From : http://www.review33.com/m2/forum_msg.ph ... number=243

[CHARLEMAGNE 4]

Another one...
From : http://m.blog.daum.net/pzkpfw3485/2244838

[CHARLEMAGNE 4]

There were about 5 to 6 photos from that Ardennes ''scene''.
ALL photos ''focucing'' at the ''mysterius / uknown'' soldier.
I think that wasnt by ''coincidence''.
Propably the propaganda / photo team,find on this soldier a good ''icon'' of the ''German front fighter'' for sharing it to the german people.

[Harro]

There are approx. 30 pics in the total series of staged photos SS-Unterscharführer Max Büschel took that day, most of them do not show the "iconic" soldier at all.

[BillHermann]

Yes I would look up the Poteau sequence and you will find the majority of these photos do not have the soldier above in them. The photos above are not new, not rare and have been seen many times.

One thing that is for sure is that most of these photos were staged.

[genstab]

I can't say anything as to his identity, but the pistol he is holding by his leg in his right hand in that one shot is sure as heck a captured FN Hi-Power. The Germans called them Pistole 640B (for Belgium).

Best,
Bill in Cleveland

[Moniroth You-Bell]

Heinz or Herbert Maeger?

Can someone pls give more details about him--it's all so confusing.

[Bob Burnitt]

I have been told it is Wally Armbrusch, BUT there are MANY who say that is incorrect. It is one of the most famous photos of the ETO.

I like many others would like to know for sure who he is. BB

[Harro]

Indeed...

There's is a perpetuated story that the soldier in the picture is Walter Armbrusch who did move to the US after the war, but that story has long been proven to be wrong (Armbrusch was in the LAH but he's not the pictured soldier).

For its origins...

Gentlemen

This is NOT repeat NOT Wally A. This has gotten out of hand and is a good example of how this otherwise credible forum is in fact stiffling our shared intention of historical research.

I say again , I personally know Wally, This internet myth which is being perpetuated here , has its origins in one of our most credible members making an incorrect comment on this forum of information which I provided (search the name for those so interested ).

As I have stated in refutation before, there is a Wally, he was in the LAH, he did carry a MG-42, he was in the Ardennes Offensive, BUT THIS IS NOT HIM.

This 'famous' photo does deserve to be researched to determine who it is of. Perpetuation of incorrest opinion only chills further historical query.

Lastly, I ask once again. If anyone has any information on Wally please post it, He has only one photo which his mother secretly kept and after the Dachau internment, very little documentation remaining of himself !

Respectfully
Camp Upshur

[PatrickBateman]

Is it true that we still do not know who this soldier is? Is it Hans Tragarsky? The famous photos/footage of him was taken this day in 1944.