Germany – Third Reich: A fascinating and rare set of documents and award certificates as awarded to Iron Cross 1st Class, Infantry Assault Badge in Bronze, Close Combat Bar in Silver, Afrika Korps cufftitle and Gold Wound Badge recipient Hauptmann of the Reserve Willi Rulofs, 1st Company, 115th Infantry Regiment, 33rd Infantry Division; 1st Company, 115th Rifle/Panzergrenadier Regiment, 15th Panzer Division; 2nd Company, 433rd Panzergrenadier Regiment, 164th Light Afrika Division; 5th Company, 104th Panzergrenadier Regiment, 15th Panzergrenadier Division who would initially serve on defensive duties on the Westwall before taking part in the invasion of the low countries, his unit at this time, 33rd Infantry Division taking part in the second phase of the offensive south of the Loire. Transferred to Africa, now as part of the 15th Panzer Division, and later as part of the 164th Light Afrika Division he would take part in the majority of the major battles on the continent with the exception of Crusader and the Second Battle of El-Alamein in October and November 1942, having been medically evacuated on both occasions. Returning to Africa he would be wounded in Tunisia on 7th May 1943 just before the end of the fighting there, and this would enable him to be evacuated and escape the general surrender that took place a week later. Recovering from this wound, he would be posted to the 15th Panzergrenadier Division, the successor unit to the 15th Panzer Division, where he would see fighting during the Italian campaign, most notably during the heavy fighting around Cassino where on 20th January 1944 he would be seriously wounded being shot through both ankles. This wound would result in the later award of the Gold Wound Badge, and would result in his absence from frontline duty for the rest of the war. Rulofs would later go on to take an active part in many Voluntary Organisations and Associations which cared for others such as the Federation of War Disabled, War Bereaved Families and Social Security Pension of Germany being decorated with The Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany on 12th July 1979.
Award Certificates:
1) The Honour Cross for Widows, issued in Mannheim on 8th April 1935 to Frau Else Schall, widowed near Rulofs, nee Baussauer.
2) The West Wall Decoration awarded in Wiesbaden on 20th March 1940 as an Unteroffizier 1/115th Infantry Regiment (33rd Infantry Division. Signed for correctness by Volckers as Oberst and Commanding Officer.
Volckers was awarded the Knights Cross on 11.12.42 as Generalleutnant and General Officer Commanding 78th Assault Diivision and the German Cross in Gold on 1st April 1942 as Generalmajor and General Officer Commanding 78th Assault Division. Died in Russian captivity on 25th January 1946. Final appointment was as General of Infantry, General Officer Commanding XXVII Army Corps.
3) The Black Wound Badge awarded on 7th May 1943 for a wound received that day as an Oberleutnant, 2/433 Panzer Grenadier Regiment (164 Light Afrika Division) Signed by a Stabsarzt and acting Officer Commanding Medical Company 2/220.
Note: 2/220 Medical Company was on the establishment of 164 Light Afrika Division
4) The Afrika Cufftitle awarded at Landau on 8th December 1943 as an Oberleutnant, 115th Panzer Grenadier Regiment (15th Panzer Division) Signed by a Major and Commanding Officer 104 Panzer Grenadier Replacement and Training Battalion.
Note: this Battalion was the replacement unit for Rulof’s new Regiment – the 104th Panzergrenadier Regiment in the 15th Panzergrenadier Regiment in the 15th Panzergrenadier Division which he had been posted to on 11th November 1943 after recovering from wounding in Tunis on 7th May 1943.
5) The Bronze Infantry Assault Badge awarded at Regimental Headquarters on 28th April 1944 as an Oberleutnant,, II/104 Panzer Grenadier Regiment. Signed by Mactsohke as Oberst and acting Commanding Officer.
6) The Iron Cross 1st Class awarded at Divisional HQ on 3rd May 1944 as an Oberleutnant, 5/104th Panzer Grenadier Regiment. Signed by Rodt as Generalleutnant and General officer Commanding 15th Panzergrenadier Division.
Rodt was awarded the Knights Cross on 25.6.1940 as Oberstleutnant and Commanding Officer 25th Reconnaissance Battalion (25th Infantry Division), the 847th Oakleaves on 28th April 1945 as Generalleutnant and General Officer Commanding 15th Panzer Grenadier Division and the German Cross in Gold on 23rd August 1942 as Oberst and Commander 22nd Rifle Brigade (22nd Panzer Division)
7) The Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany (Knight) awarded at Bonn on 12th July 1979 to Herr Willi Rulofs of Stuttgart-Mohringen. Signed by the Federal President.
Documents:
1) Darmstadt, 16th My 1939. Proof of Origin of German or generically related blood – a listing of the Rulofs family – Willi Rulofs, his Parents and both Grandparents. This document was signed by Willi Rulofs himself.
2) Field Post No: 04 640B (1/115 Rifle Regiment) 27.4.1942. This is a short typed (carbon copy) note to Lt Willi Rulofs in Stuttgart informing him that he had been awarded the Italian-German North Africa Campaign Medal. This award was to be entered into his Soldbuch. The note was signed by Kruger as Oberleutnant and Company Commander.
3) Oberhausen, 16.10.1942, This is a certified correct copy of the death certificate for Typesetter Johann Rulofs (Willi Rulofs’s father) who had been killed in action on 7th June 1918 as a result of being shot in the head. He had been serving in 1 (MG) Company, 4 Grenadier Regiment.
4) Landau, 11.12.1942, A typed copy of a copy from 104 Panzer Grenadier Replacement Battalion giving details concerning Willi Rulofs’ promotion from Leutnant of the Reserve to Oberleutnant of the Reserve with the effect from 1st September 1942.
5) Landau, 14.10.1943. A copy (produced) by 104 Panzer Grenadier Replacement Battalion) of an extract from an Army High Command Order authorising the award of the ‘Afrika Cufftitle’ to Oberleutnant Rulofs of 115 Panzergrenadier Regiment . The original order was signed by a Generalmajor Luz as Commander of the Dispersal Staff of the 6th Amry and Army Group Afrika.
6) Altwiesloch, 3.1.1945. A type note by 104 Panzer Grenadier Replacement & Training Battalion to Oberleutnant Willi Rulofs (at the time at the Reserve Hospital I Stuttgart) urgently requesting details of employment during the war with each unit and in addition the precise location of where he was wounded so that the recommendation for his promotion can be completed.
7) Billets, 25.1.1945. A typed note from HQ II/104 Panzer Grenadier Regiment to Oberleutnant Rulofs at Tubingen (Reserve Hospital I Section II/7) enclosing a listing of his recorded Assault and Close Combat days whilst he was with this Battalion. The unit also states that his letter of 20.12.1944 has been forwarded 115 Panzer Grenadier Regiment for further processing.
8) Billets, 25.1.1945. A typed list by HQ II/104 Panzer Grenadier Regiment giving details of 10 Assault and Close Combat Days in which Oberleutnant Rulofs was involved during the period 11.11.43 to 20.1.44. All the these actions took place in the area around Cassino in Italy (two well known place names mentioned are Monte Camino and San Ambrogio).
a) 5/104 Panzer Grenadier Regiment (Feld Post No. 57 934B) – a Soldbuch size page with a listing of 2 close combat days – 4.12.43 & 7.12.43. Locations in Italy.
b) 5/104 Panzer Grenadier Regiment (Feld Post No. 57 934B) – a Soldbuch size page with a listing of 4 close combat days – 4.12.43 & 7.12.43 and 4.1.44 & 20.1.44. All locations in Italy. Countersigned by the Battalion Commander.
9) Stuttgart 3.3.1945. A typed short letter from Oberlueutnant Rulofs (HQ Deputy General Officer Commanding V Army Corps, Section Ia) to 5/104 Panzer Grenadier Regiment concerning the possible award of the Close Combat Bar. He wants his old unit to award this combat decoration in line with his quoted reference. He states that because of his wounding (bullet fracture of both ankles and right hell) he will not have the chance to part in any future close combat – in particular his level of disability has yet to be established in view of a further operation taking place in 6 weeks time. He also notes the close combat day of 20.1.44 and has written to 115th Panzer Grenadier Division on 20.12.1943 to obtain details of his recognised Africa close combat days.
10) Stuttgart, 19.3.1945. A typed short letter from Oberleutnant Rulofs (HQ Deputy General Officer Commanding V Army Corps, Section Ia) to the Unit Doctor of the Deputy General Officer Commanding V Army Corps. He asks that the recommendation for the award of the next higher class of Wound Badge in Silver be processed. Enclosures: Silver Wound Badge Award Certificate; Medical Certificate,
11) Stuttgart, 29.3.1945. A typed short note from Oberleutnant Rulofs (HQ Deputy General Officer Commanding V Army Corps, Section Ia) to Section IV Z in the same headquarters. Subject: War Pay. He is drawing this sections’s attention to the the fact that he had not been paid a monthly salary since February inclusive and he asks that this matter be rectified. There is a typed reply (29.3.45) on the same page from an Oberzahlmeister in the headquarters that in accordance with two quoted regulations the money should have been paid even if the transfers of the Allowances have still not been made.
12) 1st Corps d’Armee – Service de Sante, 18.7.1945. This is an official French Medical Form which gives details of Willi Rulof’s place and date of birth, which hospital he was in (Reserve Hospital Uberruss/Isny) and a brief summary of his medical condition which he indicates that he was suffering from a pronounced stiffness and functional disability (the comments are written in French and not very clear).
13) Stuttgart, 25.7.1951. A certified true copy (dated 18.4.1956) of a letter to Willi Rulofs from the Pension Office I Stuttgart stating that his disability, as a result of his war injuries (amoebic dysentery and stiffening of both ankle joints etc.), was rated as 70% as from 1.10.1950.
14) Stuttgart, 30.1.1953. A certified true copy (dated 18.4.1956) of a note to Willi Rulofs from the Pension Office I Stuttgart discussing the reasons for not changing his pension as a result of a medical examination dated 12.11.1952.
15. Two certificates presented to Willi Rulofs by Federation of the War Disabled, War Bereaved Families and Social Security Pension of Germany (VdK) for the award of the Loyalty Decoration of the VdK Germany in Stuttgart as follows:
a) In Silver for over 10 years loyal membership in the VdK Germany on 16th January 1957 and
b) In Gold for over 25 years loyal membership in the VdK Germany on 7th October 1972.
16. Berlin – Tempelhof, 26.2.1963. A typed letter from the Medical Book Register Berlin to Herr Wili Rulofs of Stuttgart -Rohr in response to his letter of 12.1.1963 concerning confirmation of his time in the military. It indicates that due to the effects of the war and the general collapse details about his war service are not to hand and refers him to the Bundesarchiv – Zentralnachweisstelle in Korelimunster near Achen. They can though give him the following information as a result of information found in various medical records.
20.1.1944 – wounded as an Oberleutnant in 5/115 Panzer Grenadier Regiment.
24.1.1944 in War Hospital 3/561 – Cortina d-Ampezzo (Italy).
This information had already been sent to the Supply Office I in Stuttgart on 29.8.1960
17) Kornelimunster, 7.5.1963. A formal Service Career Certificate sent by the Bundesarchiv – Zentralnachweisstelle to Herr Wili Rulofs of Stuttgart-Rohr with the following details:
Promotions:
31.10.1940 – Leutnant of the Reserve (with effect from 1.9.1940)
20.8.1942 – Oberleutnant of the Reserve (with effect from 1.9.1942)
28.2.1945 – Hauptmann of the Reserve (with effect from 1.9.1944)
Appointments/Transfers:
11.11.1943 – 5/104 Panzer Grenadier Regiment – acting Company Commander
20.1.1944 – Wounded.
January 1945 – 104 Panzer Grenadier Replacement & Training Battalion.
18) Aachen, 11.4.1980. A formal Certificate of Service sent by the Bundesarchiv – Zentralnachweisstelle to Herr Wili Rulofs of Stuttgart-Rohr with the following details:
3.4.1937 – Entered the German Labour Service – date of discharge not known.
2.11.1937 – Entered Military Service – (115th Infantry Regiment)
1.9.1940 – Promotion to Leutnant of the Reserve
1.9.1942 – Promotion to Oberleutnant of the Reserve
1.12.1944 – Promotion to Hauptmann of the Reserve
These details were taken from a file card and unit personnel roster.
19.) Stuttgart 30.12.1981. This is a photo copy of an A3 size Commemorative Certificate which states that Comrade Willi Rulofs of the Stuttgart Old Comrades Association of the German Afrika Korps has been awarded ‘The Rommel Medal in Silver’ on 30.12.1981.
20) Cologne. 28.2.1974. A certificate for a Commemorative Pin awarded to Willi Rulofs by the Federal Association for the Self-Protection in recognition of his service to this Association.
21) Stuttgart, 26.9.1978. A Commemorative Certificate presented to Willi Rulofs by the Baden-Wurttemburg provincial government in recognition of and thanks for his 40 years of public service in the interior ministry.
22) Stuttgart, 30.7.1979. A Commemorative Certificate awarded to Willu Rulofs by the Federal Association for the Self-Protection (Baden-Wurttemberg) in thanks and recognition of his many years of work for the Association.
23) Stuttgart, 1.8.1979. A letter of appreciation to Willi Rulofs from the Minister of Interior of the Baden-Wurttemberg Regional Government in thanks and recognition for his loyal service and wishing him all the best for the future.
24) Stuttgart, 8.8.1979. A press release No 192/1979 issued by the Baden-Wurttemberg Ministry of the Interior in respect to the award of The Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany (Knight) to Willi Rulofs.
25) Two newspapers cuttings giving details of the award of The Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany (Knight) to Willi Rulofs as follows:
a) Friday 10th August – Stuttgart – ‘Order for Willi Rulofs
b) Saturday 11th August 1979 – ‘Cross of the Order of Merit for Willi Rulofs’
26) There are 15 additional family documents that came with the group such as registration certificate for Willi Rulofs dated 16.1.1919; his mothers death certificate (died 21.5.1975) issued in USA; a marriage certificate of his father’s parents and copies of their baptism certificates; copies of the baptism certificates of his mother’s parents and some general correspondence between his mother and the Heidelberg Pension Office. There is a note dated 3.10.1942 confirming that Willi Rulofs was an only son of Johann Rulofs (KIA 7.6.1917) and Elise, nee Bassauer now remarried to a Josef Schall. There is also an interesting military pass which has been issued to a Philipp Albert Bassauer (Willi’s grandfather on his mother’s side). In September 1880.
Soldbuch:
A replacement Soldbuch with a good photo of Willi Rulofs in uniform as an Oberleutnant which was issued on 31st August 1943 by 104 Panzer Grenadier Training Battalion. It gives much details about his time in hospitals as follows:
21/11 – 21/12/1941 – War Hospital Athens with Amoebic Dysentery
29/9 – 18/11/1942 – War Hospital Naples with Gastritis
7/5 – 18/6/1943 – Reserve Hospital Garmisch-Partenkirchen – shot through & explosive bullet lodged right upper arm.
1-18/8/1943 – Reserve Hospital Landau with boil on left upper arm.
16/1/44 – 14/1/45 – Various Hospitals in Italy (3/561), Tubingen and Stuttgart as a result of being severely wounded by a bullet fracture to both ankles and right heel.
25/4/45 – 24/6/45 – Reserve Hospital Uberruss.
In addition there is a complete listing of awards with details of those over and above the award certificates as follows:
1) November 1942 – The Iron Cross 2nd Class
2) 15th May 1944 – The Silver Wound Badge
3) 17th February 1945 – The Silver Close Combat Bar (15th Panzer Division)
4) 17th February 1945 – The Gold Wound Badge
The latter three awards were the subject of correspondence between Willi Rulofs and his former units. It would appear that he was successful in getting them sanctioned. It is probable that the award of the Silver Close Combat Bar was given for a lesser number of days due to his service wounding.
There are two interesting leave entries granted as ‘special leave to Stuttgart due to bomb damage.
Willi Rulofs was born on 30th December 1916 in Mannheim, was a catholic and single. His father had been killed in actino on 7th June 1918. His mother then remarried to a Joseph Schall, and would live in Stuttgart.
During the Second World War he would initially serve in defensive positions on the Western Front, he would serve during the Campaign in France in 1940 with the 33rd Infantry Division where he would initially follow the divisions in a reserve role, before attacking south during the second part of the offensive, breaking through the Weygand Line and advancing to the south.
After a short time as a part of the occupation force in France, Rulofs’ unit would be dissolved and then form part of the 15th Panzer Division, which would travel to Libya in April 1941 joining General Rommel’s Afrika Korps. During his time in North Africa Rulof’s would serve with both the 15th Panzer Division and 164th Light Afrika Division and would take part in all the major battles except Crusader (November 1941) where he been evacuated to Greece due to Dysentery and for the second time in October/November 1942 thus missing the Battle of El Alamein.
Rulofs would be wounded in the final days of the fighting in Africa and would receive a Wound Badge in Black for a wound received on 7th May 1943, a likely lucky incident that would allow him to be evacuated prior to the final surrender of Axis forces on the continent.
Having recovered in Italy, Rulofs would be heavily involved in the defensive fighting around Cassino in December 1943 and January 1944 before being severely wounded on 20th January 1944, this wound was so severe (shot through both ankles) that he was transferred to the Replacement Army and would never see front line action again during the Second World War.
It would appear Rulofs faced challenges in getting some of the awards presented that he was entitled to, and there is some interesting correspondence with his former units in this regard, particularly in relation to proving the number of close combat days he was a part of. He would end up with enough to be awarded the Silver Close Combat Bar on 17th February 1945, and would have his Silver Wound Badge upgraded to a Gold Wound Badge on the same date.
After the war, he would work in Public Services for over 40 years although he had been severely wounded there times and was listed as a serious handicapped person with a 100% disability. From 1947 to 1964 he was in the Administration of Exiles and the care of Displaced Persons and entrusted with the construction and equipping of Transit Camps. He would be active within the Disaster Protection Section of the Baden-Wurttemberg Interior Ministry since 1965. He was also active in many Voluntary Organisations and Associations which cared for others such as the Federation of the War Disabled, War Bereaved Families and Social Security Pension of Germany (VdK). At the age of 63, he was awarded The Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany (Knight) on 12th July 1979 in recognition of his 40 years of public service from which he appears to have retired in August 1979.