Hauptsturmführer Barry Wittmann
Waffen SS-Panzergrenadier-Division Götz von Berlichingen
Our CGI uniform model "Barry" is wearing the distinctive and purpose designed black panzer "wrap" tunic. Misconceptions about this tankers uniform abound.
First off, the tailored look of the German panzer uniform had little to do with vanity or style. It was streamlined to eliminate buttons and flaps that would otherwise catch on objects in the tight confines of a tank and made crawling in and out of narrow hatches easier.
As for the idea that black was chosen as a "sinister" color, the selection was actually practical. Black was the logical choice for a job where engine grease and soot are part of the daily grind. It also helped for individual crewmen to stand out to each other in the low light, whitish interior of a "buttoned up" tank.
Note the cap piping and shoulder board underlay in the rose-pink "Waffenfarbe" (fighting colors) of the Panzer elite. His hat has the Totenkopf deaths death symbol. Panzermen of Wehrmacht units also used the deaths head, minus the lower jaw.
This officer has a "tank destruction badge" on his upper right sleeve, indicating that he has destroyed at least one enemy tank using hand held explosives. His gold-and-silver Panzer Assault badge announces that he has taken part in at least 75 Panzer missions in various units, some in Poland, Holland & France in the early war but mostly on the Russian Front.
His "Götz von Berlichingen" cuff title was authorized for this unit in October 1943.
His awards and decorations include the Iron Cross 2nd Class (worn as a ribbon tucked into his button-hole), Iron Cross 1st Class. It shows a bit of wear and tear as can be expected from a medal that is worn in the field. He also wears the Wound Badge in black.
SS-Panzergrenadier-Division Götz von Berlichingen was raised in Oct 1943 from replacement units and conscripts and stiffened with some experienced men. It saw action against the US forces in Normandy from 10 June 1944 and fought in Lorraine in 1945 during the Nordwind offensive.