ARTIFACT SPOTLIGHT: WWII GERMAN CANTEEN

Artifact Spotlight: German canteen from WWII engraved in an artsy form of 'trench art' for a soldier of K Company, 331st Infantry Regiment, 83rd Infantry Division. It was created while the 83rd was on occupation duty in Salzburg, Austria, after the war's end. The 83rd was influential in the Normandy breakout and saw combat across the European Theater during WWII.

The front and back of this canteen feature etched and pained scenes of The Grossglockner, the highest mountain in Austria, as well as a scene from Salzburg. One side depicts the shoulder sleeve insignia of the 83rd Infantry Division and "Co. K 331 INF" designating Company K, 331st Infantry Regiment. It also lists the countries the unit fought in, including France, Belgium, Germany, and Austria. The word "Thunderbolt", the unit's official nickname, is also etched. Finally, the opposite side displays the shoulder sleeve insignia of the US Occupation forces in Austria.

Canteen from the WWII Veterans History Project collection.

"Giving the Past a Future, One Story at a Time."

WWII Veterans History Project