SS Soldbuch – SS-Unterscharführer 9. SS-Panzer-Division “Hohenstaufen” (KIA 1944, Operation Market Garden)

Original Soldbuch of SS-Unterscharführer Heinz Pietsch, a non-commissioned officer who served with the 8. Batterie / SS-Panzer-Artillerie-Regiment 9, which was part of the renowned 9. SS-Panzer-Division “Hohenstaufen.”

• Born: 6 March 1913 in Dresden

• Civil profession: Sattler (saddler), Polster (upholsterer), Lackierer (painter/varnisher)

• Prior to his SS service, Pietsch appears to have served with the Polizei, reflected in his early police long-service award.

• His Soldbuch was opened on 26 January 1943 by 7./SS-Artillerie-Ersatz-Regiment, marking his official entry into Waffen-SS artillery training.

• He was later transferred to the 8. Batterie / SS-Panzer-Artillerie-Regiment 9, “Hohenstaufen.”

In September 1944, the division was thrown into the thick of Operation “Market Garden,” the Allied attempt to break into Germany via the Netherlands. The Hohenstaufen, alongside its sister division “Frundsberg,” played a decisive role in halting the British airborne forces at Arnhem, a dramatic battle that has since become one of the most famous engagements of the war.

During this fighting, Pietsch was severely wounded. On 29 September 1944 he was admitted to the Reserve-Lazarett Herborn (Dillkreis), but succumbed to his injuries only days later on 1 October 1944.

His Soldbuch lists the following awards:

• Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 13. März 1938

• Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 1. Oktober 1938

• Spange zum Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 1. Oktober 1938

• Polizei-Dienstauszeichnung III. Klasse

A tragic and historically important Soldbuch, directly tied to one of the pivotal battles of 1944 and to a soldier who did not survive the campaign. With clear connections to both the Polizei and the Hohenstaufen Division, this is a research-worthy and highly collectible piece for serious students of Waffen-SS and Market Garden history.

• Condition: As seen (please refer to photos)
• Complete with (top) photo – very well filled out.