Soldbuch & Award Doc: Panzer-Regiment 3 (Normandy!)

Original Soldbuch and Award Document – Obergefreiter Max Pemmer (3./Panzer-Regiment 3, 2. Panzer-Division)

A historically significant grouping consisting of the Soldbuch (with photograph, denazified) and the award document for the Kriegsverdienstkreuz 2. Klasse mit Schwertern, issued to Obergefreiter Max Pemmer, who served with the 3. Kompanie / Panzer-Regiment 3 of the elite 2. Panzer-Division during the Battle of Normandy.

• Award: Kriegsverdienstkreuz 2. Klasse mit Schwertern (War Merit Cross 2nd Class with Swords), awarded 1 September 1944, signed at the divisional level.

• Unit Service: Panzer-Regiment 3, one of the division’s armored spearheads, equipped with Panther tanks during the Normandy campaign.

• Historical Note: Pemmer is notably mentioned in the memoirs of a Panther crewmember from 3./Panzer-Regiment 3, who recalls seeing him after the Falaise Pocket in a field hospital, identifying him as the Sprittfahrer (fuel driver).

• Documents:
  – Complete Soldbuch with photograph (denazified).
  – Original award document.

• Condition: Both Soldbuch and Urkunde show clear signs of frontline wear, with water damage, creases, and tears, adding to their authenticity and “been there” look.

Background – 2. Panzer-Division in Normandy
The 2. Panzer-Division was deployed to France in 1944 as part of the German armored reserve. It was heavily engaged following the Allied landings in June, taking part in the Mortain counterattack (Operation Lüttich) in August, where German forces attempted to cut off the U.S. advance. After failing to break through, the division became trapped in the Falaise Pocket, where it suffered devastating losses. Survivors like Pemmer managed to escape westward, often through desperate rearguard actions, and regrouped in Germany later in 1944.

Collector’s Note:
A rare and researchable grouping directly tied to the 2. Panzer-Division’s combat in Normandy, including mention in veteran memoirs that confirm Pemmer’s frontline role. Groupings to named soldiers who survived the destruction of the Falaise Pocket are particularly desirable.