‘Erkennungsmarke’ (identification disk), 2.75 x 2 in., constructed of aluminum. The perforation at the center allows for one side to be double-stamped with the soldier’s name, assigned area, and date of birth: ‘Aschenbach Karl – Ohrdruf – 15.3.24’. The concentration camp at Ohrdruf was put into operation late 1944 until its liberation on April 4, 1945. Within this short time the camp housed approx. 20,000 prisoners and killed an estimated 7,000, with an approx. 3,000 killed on death marches to Buchenwald ordered on April 1st to avoid capture by the 4th Armored Division who arrived only three days later. The disc bears some oxidation and chipped edges, though, interestingly, there are two ‘exit hole’ strikes easily visible on the reverse. Per our consignor this was brought back from a U.S. veteran.