DR. WALTER DORNBERGER ATTRIBUTED GENERALMAJOR UNIFORM
DR. WALTER DORNBERGER (1895 - 1980) German Army artillery officer whose career spanned World Wars I and II. He was a leader of Germany's V-2 rocket program and other projects at Peenemünde. Imprisoned for two years for the use of slave labor. Along with other German rocket scientists, Dornberger was released and brought to the U.S. under the auspices of Operation Paperclip. There, he developed guided missiles, played a major role in the creation of the X-15 aircraft and was a key consultant for the X-20 Dyna-Soar project. He also had a role in the creation of projects which led to the creation of the Space Shuttle. Historic complete generalmajor's uniform attributed to Dornberger, includes wool tunic with six gold pebbled buttons for closure at front, with four pockets with scalloped pockets using the same buttons. Braided shoulder epaulets are sewn-in and secured at the opposite end with pebbled buttons on posts. Collar tabs are bullion on red felt, appropriate in design and construction to rank. Knights Cross of the War Merit Cross ribbon is fitted at the neck with a catch opposite. A gold bullion national eagle with swastika is affixed to the right breast, though stitching is loosening a bit with age. Interior is lined in brown-gold rayon. Left interior chest pocket has white sewn-in label of tailor "Berke-Chucher-Schroder" of Berlin, with typed description: Gen. Maj. Dr. Dornberger...Nr. 452...Feb. 44...". Matching uniform trousers are present with double red stripes at sides descending to lace-up closures at calves. Finally, Dornberger's general's visor is present, gold acetate chin cord secured to visor with two gold pebbled buttons. Similar gold piping is affixed to top and bottom of the upper part of the cap. Gold national eagle and swastika insignia is pinned above the two-piece oak leaves and cockade devices above the visor. The visor itself is very good, with proper cross-hatching on the underside, bearing just a chip or two on top. Green dyed leather sweatband and green rayon liner are very good, with large sweat guard marked: "Stirndruckfrei Deutsches Reich patent". One collar tab a bit moth bitten, as is, to a lesser degree the side panel of the visor, otherwise the uniform is in very good condition.