Germany, Heer. A Soldbuch to Unteroffizier Karl Griebling, 208th Infantry Division

(Heer Soldbuch). A Soldbuch named to Unteroffizier Karl Griebling of the 208th Infantry Division, dated 5 September 1939, measuring 105 mm (w) x 145 mm (h); accompanied by a card stock folio with a faux red leather exterior, the obverse with a Wehrmacht-style German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika with an inscription of “DEUTSCHES REICH SOLDBUCH”, measuring 110 mm (w) x 165 mm (h); an award certificate for a Wound Badge in Black, dated 15 September 1944, measuring 139 mm (w) x 200 mm (h), and; an award certificate for an Iron Cross II Class, dated 21 September 1944, measuring 140 mm (w) x 198 mm (h), signed by division commander and Knight’s Cross recipient General Heinz Piekenbrock; all in near extremely fine condition.

Footnote: Karl Griebling was born on 6 April 1904 in Duisburg, Germany. After serving in a variety of reserve and construction units, Griebling was transferred to an engineer company attached to the 208th Infantry Division, where he saw action on the Eastern Front. Griebling was later shifted to the Western Front, where he served with both the 257th and 559th Volksgrenadier Divisions. Griebling ended the war by surrendering with his unit to the Western Allies in the Ruhr Pocket. He had several stints in hospitals, including October until November 1939 as a result of gastric illness, and again between August and September 1944 due to shrapnel wounds. He is mentioned as having been engaged in three days of close combat earlier that August. Griebling was decorated three times, receiving the War Merit Cross II Class with Swords (20 December 1940), the Wound Badge in Black (15 September 1944), and the Iron Cross II Class (21 September 1944).