This arrived with my new binoculars this morning. Nothing too rare or expensive, but I’ve always thought that portrait photographs really bring a display to life. The gentleman in this photo had seen some action. Along with the two ribbons through the second buttonhole, he was the recipient of a silver Infanterie Sturmabzeichen, what appears to be a very well-worn black wound badge, and both the DRL and SA sports badges.

I can’t decipher the details of this man’s uniform, but this photo was presumably taken in early 1942 at the earliest, as evidenced by the Ostfront Medal ribbon. I find the presence of the sports badges particularly interesting, as I’d not seen any photos of them being worn by combat soldiers prior to this one.

Any further details are welcome. I know that he was infantry, going on the white piping. But I am a complete novice as far as uniform cuts and patterns go.

Regards, B.B.