Smoker Ritterkreuzträger

During World War II, smoking was deeply ingrained in the daily life of German soldiers across all branches of the Wehrmacht. Cigarettes were included as standard items in military rations, often distributed alongside food and ammunition, and were viewed as essential for maintaining morale during the brutal conditions of combat, long marches, and periods of boredom in the field. Both enlisted men and officers smoked heavily, with many photographs from the era showing soldiers lighting up during breaks in fighting, in trenches, or while resting behind the lines. Brands such as Eckstein, Juno, and Reemtsma were popular, and the Nazi government, despite some early anti-tobacco rhetoric from certain party leaders, ultimately supported tobacco production and distribution to troops as a way to boost spirits and provide a small comfort in the chaos of war. Smoking also served as a social ritual, helping soldiers bond and cope with the psychological stress of battle. By the later years of the war, however, tobacco supplies became increasingly scarce due to Allied bombing of German factories and disrupted supply lines, forcing soldiers to improvise with ersatz tobacco or trade for cigarettes on the black market. This widespread habit reflected the era’s general lack of awareness about long-term health risks, and for many German soldiers, the cigarette became one of the few consistent pleasures amid the horrors of the conflict.

Leutnant Heinrich Reinke (1914-1984) was a highly decorated German soldier who served as an Oberfeldwebel and Zugführer in the 14. (Panzerjäger) Kompanie, Infanterie-Regiment 89 during World War II. He earned the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 9 January 1942 for his outstanding bravery and leadership as a platoon leader on the Eastern Front, where he distinguished himself through determined anti-tank actions and decisive combat performance against Soviet forces. His courageous conduct in repelling enemy attacks and destroying multiple armored vehicles played a key role in stabilizing his unit’s defensive positions during intense fighting. Reinke later rose to the rank of Leutnant and continued serving with distinction throughout the war, embodying the tough, battle-hardened NCO spirit typical of the Wehrmacht’s infantry anti-tank units.

Hauptmann Rudolf Schlee (1913-1979), a highly decorated soldier of the Wehrmacht who was born on 10 November 1913 in Ludwigshafen, Rheinland Provinz (German Empire), served as a platoon leader in the 6./Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 13 during World War II and demonstrated exceptional bravery in various campaigns. He earned the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 23 October 1941 as Oberfeldwebel for his leadership and courage during intense combat operations, particularly in the mountain warfare contexts following the campaigns in the Balkans and the advance into the Soviet Union. His repeated acts of valor continued to stand out in the harsh fighting in the Caucasus region, where he led his Jäger platoon with outstanding initiative and determination, ultimately leading to the award of the Eichenlaub zum Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes as the 222nd recipient on 6 April 1943. Schlee later rose to the rank of Hauptmann and survived the war, becoming one of the notable recipients of these prestigious German decorations for his frontline service.

Source :
https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-german-soldiers-smoking-efront-1941-19373151.html
https://www.tracesofwar.com/awards/83/Ritterkreuz-des-Eisernen-Kreuzes.htm