Pages: 236
Photo's: 200+
Documents: 10
Cost: $44.00

Rating: *****
(5 Stars)

Where? Mark C. Yerger
P.O. Box 4485
Lancaster, PA 17604
U.S.A

The elite of the elite, 2. SS-Panzerdivision "Das Reich" was honored with 69 Knight's Cross', 151 German Cross in Gold and 29 honor Roll Clasp recipients. It also boasted 3 Swords and 10 Oak Leave to the Knight's Cross holders. Cumulatively, more high award winners served in it's ranks than any other Division in the Waffen-SS. "Das Reich" was in the thick of combat in every campaign, from Poland to France, the Balkans to Russia, the Invasion Front to Hungary. On every front, the men of "Das Reich" fought with honor and distinction.

In this 2 volume set, historian Mark C. Yerger chronicles every facet of the Division. From it's inception as SS-Standarte "Deutschland" until it's final capitulation. Each chapter focuses on a specific sub-unit, the end result is the exploration of the Division as a whole. Each unit is examined, including but not limited to, operational history, equipment, training and formation, culminating with detailed biographies of that units holders of high awards. And it is these sections, biographical data, that makes this work stand head and shoulders above all others!

Never before has a historian attempted to document so many little known, but highly deserving award winnners. In addition to every Knight's Cross, Oak Leaves and Swords winnner, each recipient of the German Cross and Honor roll is examined, often with the award's justification. For many this is a first, no one to date has provided biographical data on the holders of this prestigous, and dificult to aquire award (unlike the Knights Cross, the German Cross in Gold was awarded for muliple battles in which extreme valor and courage were proven).

Currently available in two seperate volumes, volume 1 covers the Divisional Staff and Commanders, the Panzer Regiment and the Artillery Regiment. Volume 2, available in limited quanity directly from the author, covers the Kradschützen Bataillon, the Sturmgeschützabeitlung, the Pionier Bataillon, Kampfgruppe "Das Reich" and a special photo section of Das Reich Tigers! Unpublished photo's, detailed Order of Battle charts and previously unavailable biographies are just some of the highlights that make these books instant classics!

Ratings Guide:
***** - instant Classic! (5 stars)
**** - Definitely worth your money (4 stars)
*** - Decent read (3 stars)
** - Only if a fanatic (2 stars)
* - Write one yourself! (1 star)