Greetings to all members and visitors:                                                  
                                                                       
           I hope you are enjoying our site and that you find it informative. From time to time the question arises as to how and why we chose to re-enact this particular German division. The real answer is one you might not expect. In 1975 when we first started WW 2 re-enacting in St. Louis, it became apparent that we needed to establish separate axis and allied units in order to better co-ordinate and control our events. During this time an incident occurred which had a great influence on my decision.  I had stopped by my parent’s house one evening and walked into the living room. There in front of the television sat my dad with a very disgusted look on his face.  When I asked him what was wrong, he said “Did you ever really look at this stupid program?". (He was watching HOGAN’S HEROES). I asked what was wrong with it and he said" This program and most of the movies nowadays make the Germans look stupid, inept and almost likable!!  That is not at all what the German soldiers were like when we fought them in WW 2!( Dad was a World War II veteran with the 81st. Tank Bn. 5th Armored Div.). These men were a tough, professional, and for the most part, a ruthless bunch of soldiers, especially those SS Panzer troops! We lost a lot of good men before we finally beat them and shows like this just aren't accurate! When people see them portrayed like a bunch of clowns, it diminishes and demeans our sacrifices!” With this as an incentive, I chose the 1 SS Panzer Division as our re-enactment unit. After 30 years of portraying this elite German Division, I truly believe we have done and will continue to do our part to remind the public of what a tough enemy our soldiers had to defeat in order to achieve Victory in World War II.

            It has been 35 years since I founded this unit and it became a chartered unit with the WWII H.R.S. Since our first reenactment at Weldon Springs MO in 1975, our unit has registered over 1000 people as dues paying members. Those who chose not to remain with our unit left for a variety of reasons.  Some left because of the strict authenticity and uniform requirements we demand. This unit was, and still is, the most expensive unit to be a member of. Some left when it became evident they could not be “field marshals” just because they owned the uniform. A very few left because the unit has a no tolerance policy for outspoken “political” ideals. No Nazi, Communist or Socialist discussions permitted. Over 60% of those we have recruited into the unit have remained in this hobby. Some have joined or formed units more in keeping with their needs and expectations. Others have formed businesses that supply the WWII reenactment community’s needs for uniforms and equipment. So, indirectly our unit has been responsible for a large part of the growth our hobby has experienced.

            Belonging to the LAH is a humbling experience that gives our members a sense of comradeship that can only be found among like minded individuals; who put the needs of the unit above their own egos. Our unit has provided a good solid structuring of rules and guidelines which are enforced. It has opportunities for advancement and increased participation. We also have provided a setting for authentic vehicle owners to utilize their vehicles in a historically accurate manner. Our unit, the LAH, has stood the test of time. We have been scrutinized and inspected to the Nth degree. We have proven that we are everything we claim to be and have provided everything we have promised to our unit members. It has been my distinct pleasure to serve as the LAH unit commander since 1975. On April 22, 2010, the command of the LAH was officially transferred to Dale Taylor. He has “unofficially” been in command for the last 4 years since personal family responsibilities have drastically reduced my involvement. During those 4 years, Dale has not only kept the original ideals and traditions alive but has fostered new programs within our unit to give even more avenues for our members to grow and participate. I personally have complete confidence in Dale as well as the current officers, NCO’s and men in the LAH. I feel sure that in the future, our unit’s excellence and authenticity will continue to keep the LAH as the biggest and best unit in WWII reenacting. 

            As for me and a few other “older” LAH veteran officers, we have formed a Volkssturm unit. In this new “impressions” we will strive to maintain an authentic appearance and attitude. We were pleased to be invited by Dale Taylor and his staff to be “attached” to the LAH. We hope to continue to be a small “asset” to the unit, providing a pool of knowledge about the unit’s history and as Dale put it “comedic relief” when called upon.

Thank you for your time and interest.

Fritz Poddig

LAH Unit Founder