The story of how the “founding fathers” decided to form the Grossdeutschland Division impression is simple. It seemed everyone who started a unit way back then wanted to do an “SS” impression, so it was decided that they would do a regular “German Army Division” to counter the growing amount of people portraying the “SS.” They considered two units, the 352nd Infantry Division and the Grossdeutschland Division. After reading the history of both units the founders decided to do the Grossdeutschland impression for two reasons: number one, the divisional history of Grossdeutschland was amazing, and number two, the unit designation “GD” would be easily remembered by people within the hobby.

Why 7te Kompanie? Since deciding to do a “Grunt” or a basic combat impression the founders did not want to be the “First Kompanie of the First Battalion, of the First Regiment” but rather wanted to be somewhere in the middle so they picked the 7th Kompanie of the 2nd Battalion Grenadier Regiment. Further reading about 7th Kompanie revealed that it was rich with history. As an added bonus, in the year 2001, we had the extraordinary opportunity to meet the first 7th Kompanie Commander, Herr Eberhard Wachernagel, during the annual reunion of the Grossdeutschland Division Veterans in Germany.

Over the years strong friendships have developed. We have shared all the different aspects of life from births to weddings to deaths. When someone walks through our doors they can feel the sense of family and most importantly the feeling of camaraderie. Family is a special word but one that truly describes this group of people. As a group we strive to keep alive the memory of those men of the Grossdeutschland Division who loyally fulfilled their duty in accordance with Grossdeutschland’s motto “Gott, Ehre, und Vaterland”. We pride ourselves on the fact that we do it right and will never bring shame to the name Grossdeutschland.

Welcome to one of the most accomplished and dedicated groups of “Living Historians” in the country. We look forward to having you experience the “Traditions of the Grossdeutschland Division” with us.

In treue fest zu GD!

Major Otto Lorenz (Retired) Bob Lawrence