Oberstleutnant Georg Greiner
 

Apologies for the short delay but I have to report, sadly, the death of my close friend, Oberstleutnant Georg Hermann Greiner, the holder of the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves.

Georg passed away on 26th September 2014 in Wangen im Allgau at the age of 94.

Georg finished the war as Gruppenkommandeur of IV./NJG 1 with 51 victories.

He was a connoisseur of fine art and wine, and an accomplished pianist.

Georg was a humanist who struggled with what the war had demanded of him and its cost to both sides, spending his post war life coming to terms with its consequences.

He was a gentle man who enriched the lives of those he met. His death is felt as deeply as any family member.

Re: Oberstleutnant Georg Greiner
 

Sad but inevitable. He was always helpful to me in the past

Re: Oberstleutnant Georg Greiner
 

Likewise, RIP.

Re: Oberstleutnant Georg Greiner
 

David,

I will never forget our visit to see Georg Greiner in April of 2007. I still can remember Georg sitting behind his grand piano and playing the "Star Spangled Banner" upon our entrance!

He was a fine man and I will always be grateful to you for introducing him to me and arranging our special visit.

Sorry that you lost your friend. He was a great man with a very kind soul.

Mark Copeland
Lakeville, Minnesota

Re: Oberstleutnant Georg Greiner
 

Mark,

Reading your post and remembering Georg playing that piece immediately put a big grin on my face. It was a great moment in Anglo-German Detente!

He was a fine man and I've just sent a letter to Rosemarie extending our condolences, I'm sure it won't be the last one she receives.

A great visit and you did a great job of keeping him entertained while he worked!

Thanks for the posting and words.

David

Re: Oberstleutnant Georg Greiner
 

David,

It was an amazing visit with Georg Greiner, Heinz Marquardt, Paul Zorner, Peter Spoden, etc. and one that I shall never forget or under appreciate.

Great memories and wonderful times that week. We covered a lot of ground and saw a lot of guys all thanks to you.

I remember Rosemarie and the Italian restaurant in town and a great meal with lots of laughs. An amazing memory for all the alcohol consumed!!

Mark Copeland

Re: Oberstleutnant Georg Greiner
 

Mark,

I still have THAT special lighter from Maurizios restaurant.

Do you still have the corresponding mug?

Great men and friends who have given their time and generosity to help others.

And, despite the fact that time stands still for no man, we are left with fond memories and lives enriched by their generosity.

Great visits and memories. I only hope our Livers forgive us, as well our wives.

I don't think General R ever forgot that lunch or you forgot that hangover! I think 'Snapped' was your expression.

David

Re: Oberstleutnant Georg Greiner
 

David,

I just remember the Mussolini "Il Duce" wine that I brought home. You could have cleaned old paint brushes out in that stuff!!

Who could forget asparagus soup on the top of the mountain and Ballentine's scotch at 10:30 in the morning with Gunther Rall?

"Hi...my name is Adolph, what's yours???" I never laughed so hard in my life!! The schnapps probably had a lot to do with that!

The Leiberhoff and Rosie the waitress and that view of the Tagernsee. Barkhorn's grave and Durnbach Cemetery. Good God, we were lucky weren't we?? Some damn fine times!!

MC

Re: Oberstleutnant Georg Greiner
 

I think of the three of us that day I have the best clarity of the visit to Bad Reichenhall as I was the only sober one, having been stiffed to do the driving!

I'm sure the Lieberhof still remembers us, particularly the residents under Monica's shower.

We should have taken time to have done 'The Big City'.

Good times and fine people.

Re: Oberstleutnant Georg Greiner
 

Dave,

Yes, I think if Monica walked up the drive to the front of the Leiberhof, they would lock the door!! We pulled off some good times over there!!
Miss those days very much!!

MC