Trying to find information on my grandfather, Mathias Gehl, who was in the Luftwaffe

[Teresa Elmore]

I am new to this. I recieved pictures of my grandfather, Mathias Gehl. He is in uniform, which i recognized as Luftwaffe. He has two/three eagles on each side of his uniform, a small pin with an emblem, nothing on his shoulders to indicate being an officer. He has a hat in another photo and has differant pins and buttons. He was from a small town called Donsieders, I believe this is in western Germany, and i know he was Catholic and part french so he couldnt made it far in rank. Is there any way of me finding out what unit he was in with regard where his hometown was ? And if anyone can tell me his rank regarding my description I would be happy. I would be happy to email these pictures to anyone interested. I have one of him and his friend in their barracks, reading a booklet (propaganda Im sure), and they have pillows embroidered with the German eagle and swastika. I have never come across any other picture like this. Any info on it would be nice, too. Thank you

[Darrell Besser]

Dear Teresa,

Would the pictures happen to be in color? This would help decipher what unit within the Luftwaffe he was in ie., medical,Flak, payroll...
As for Collar Tab Ranks:
2 Birds - Gefreiter (Acting Corporal)
3 Birds - Obergefreiter (Corporal)
2 Birds w/ leaves at bottom of tab - Oberleutnant (1st Lieutenant)
3 Birds w/ leaves at bottom of tab - Hauptman (Captain)
2 Birds surrounded by wreath - Obersleutnant (Lt.Colonel)
3 Birds surrounded by wreath - Oberst (Colonel)