The German Army Dog Tags: A Symbol of Loyalty and Sacrifice

During World War I, the German Army issued dog tags to its soldiers as a means of identification. These small metal tags, known as 'Gewehrschutzmarke' or gun shield mark, were attached to the soldier's uniform and contained essential information such as name, rank, unit, and blood type.

The story behind these dog tags is one of loyalty and sacrifice. Carl Werner Lenneberg, a German soldier who fought in World War I, was awarded several medals for his combat service. He was a member of the 8th (Rhenish) Foot Artillery Reserve Battalion, XVI Army Corps, German Army.

Lenneberg's story is not only one of bravery but also of survival. After the war, he and his family faced great challenges as they tried to rebuild their lives in Germany. His brother Georg was arrested during Kristallnacht in November 1938 and sent to Dachau concentration camp.

In an effort to escape persecution, Lenneberg's family decided to emigrate to the United States. They booked passage on the MS St. Louis, a ship that set sail from Hamburg, Germany on May 13, 1939. The journey was long and arduous, with the ship being denied entry in Cuba and eventually returning to Europe.

Lenneberg's experiences during this time are documented in his diary and letters to his fiancée, Hildegarde Hilb. His writings provide a firsthand account of the struggles faced by those trying to escape Nazi Germany.

Today, Lenneberg's dog tags serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers during World War I and the struggles faced by those who tried to escape persecution in Nazi Germany. They are a symbol of loyalty, sacrifice, and survival, and serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up against injustice and oppression.

In conclusion, Lenneberg's story is one of great courage and resilience. His dog tags are a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers during World War I and the struggles faced by those who tried to escape persecution in Nazi Germany. They serve as a powerful symbol of loyalty, sacrifice, and survival, and continue to inspire us today.

German army dog tags