Stadler's 25 June 1944 Assessment by Lammerding

What is interesting about this Assessment (or Judgement) is that it was signed 15 days after the attack on Oradour and after Stadler had left Der Führer to command the Hohenstaufen Division. Clearly from the way it was written, Lammerding did not hold Stadler in any way liable, or worthy of any censure, or even comment for those events; rather it contains nothing but praise. Note that in particular Lammerding says that Stadler, "enjoys great trust with his superiors, comrades and subordinates". Presumably this would apply to his relations with Adolf Diekmann, both before and after 10th June. Compare this assessment with that of the same date for Otto Weidinger (also written by Lammerding) and the assessment written by Stadler of Adolf Diekmann on 1st June. Comments are shown in italics.

Judgement of the 25. 6. 1944.

Judgement-notes (Assessment notes) for Standartenführer Stadler, Sylvester born 30-12-10

RDAS (Position) 30.1.44, commander SS-Panzer Grenadier Regiment 4: Der Führer.

1) Character appraisal: (Strong and weak, tendencies, addictions).

SUncomplicated and open character. Somewhat sensitive. In his attitude to life, neat and precise. Exemplary in his personal attitude.

2) Mental and physical disposition, official knowledge and performances.

Mental and physical aptitude above the average. He has had years of front experience with its high educational value and has withstood the highest tests of endurance.

3) Appearance and conduct towards superiors, comrades, subordinates - private conduct:

Appearance and conduct exemplary and soldierly. His personal example works itself beneficially and successfully onto his troop. He enjoys great trust with his superiors, comrades and subordinates.

4) Ideological alignment, convincing and extempore lecture type?

Confident National socialist. Understanding it (National Socialism in all its works), through a free and convincing type of lecture he prints his thoughts onto his listeners.

5) Proving himself before the enemy. Specialist in particular area. Does present service position be filled?

Proven very well before the enemy. For personal aggressive service and successful regimental leadership he has been distinguished with the Oak-Leaves to the Knights-Cross of the Iron Cross. (Lammerding personally held the Knights Cross without any additional endorsements) Fills his position as regimental commander (of Der Führer) with great success (at the time of signing this assessment, Stadler had left the regiment and Weidinger had been promoted in his place to command it).

6) Suitability for next higher or other application. Detail of undeleted penalties.

Suitable for application in the higher army command.

7) Have quoted shortcomings been revealed to the assessed in this assessment?

(There is no written answer to this last question, only a hand-written % sign, which I assume signifies that Stadler was made aware of the contents of the assessment. By the time this document was written, Stadler had left the Der Führer Regiment and Das Reich Division and was in transition after being promoted to lead the 9th SS-Panzer Division: Hohenstaufen).

Lammerding…………………. SS-Brigadeführer and major-general of the Waffen-SS

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