Minifigure – German Army (Heer) Obergefreiter, a senior enlisted rank mid-to-late period of World War II (LEGO Alternative)

This image shows a toy minifigure representing a German Army (Heer) Obergefreiter, a senior enlisted rank, from the mid-to-late period of World War II.

The figure is dressed in a standard field grey (Feldgrau) combat uniform and wears an M43 Field Cap (Einheitsfeldmütze), which was common from 1943 onwards. The torso and legs are printed with a full set of infantry equipment, including leather Y-straps, a belt with rifle ammunition pouches, a bayonet, and a bread bag.

The image specifically highlights the soldier’s rank insignia. The call-out on the left arm points to the double chevron (Doppelwinkel) which is the specific insignia for the rank of Obergefreiter. The other call-out points to the standard enlisted-pattern collar tabs (Litzen).

Historical Background: An Obergefreiter was a senior and experienced soldier, equivalent to a Senior Lance Corporal or Private First Class in other armies. It was a rank achieved after several years of service and combat experience. While not a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO), an Obergefreiter was a veteran who could be relied upon and would often be the most seasoned man in his squad. They were the hardened survivors of numerous campaigns, representing the tough, professional core of the German infantry during the grueling defensive battles of the later war years in Russia, Italy, and France.