Various German Badges
Infantry, Navy, Luftwaffe, Sports Awards
By Stephen Sherman, Nov. 2008. Updated July 17, 2011.
- Black Wound badge
This badge, the German version of the Purple Heart, was initiated in World War One, and was revived by the Nazis in 1939. The Black badge was for one or two wounds, the Silver for three or four, and the Gold for five or more. A special, and very rare, Wound Badge was created for Hitler and the other officers injured in the July 20, 1944 plot.
General Hans Cramer
Shown at left with his with Black Wound Badge, General Cramer served in the Afrika Krosp and was captured by the British. Released for health reasons, he fell under suspicion of participating in the 20 July plot. The Gestapo imprisoned him briefly, and then released him to house arrest in December, 1944.
- Close Combat badge silver
Effective 25 November 1942 Hitler ordered that all officers and men of the Army who engaged in hand to hand combat when unsupported by armor would be recognized for their heroism providing they qualified. The bar was struck in bronze, silver and gold for 10, 20 and 40 days respectively. The bar was primarily for award to Infantry soldiers, however, other units were also eligible. A service to combat days ratio was established on the following scales:
5 combat days were credited for 8 months service.
10 combat days were credited for 12 months service.
15 combat days were credited for 15 months service.
- Stahlhelm badge
Officially known as the Commemorative Badge Of The "Steel Helmet" Organization. The Stahlhelm was a veterans Organization founded on December 25th 1918. They played an important part in Hitler's rise to power. In July 1933 the Stahlhelm was incorporated into the SA. Later in 1935 the organization lost it's identity.
- General Assault badge
- Infantry Assault badge in bronze
- Second Pattern E Boat badge
- Destroyers war badge
- High Seas Fleet war badge
- Luftwaffe Anti aircraft badge
- Auxiliary War Cruisers badge
Ernst Peekhaus of Berlin produced this badge on request from Grand Admiral Raeder. It was introduced on the 24 April 1941 to recognize the armed merchant men who were so successful in harassing Allied shipping. The badge in its early forms was constructed in two parts, its base being of solid brass which was then burnished to give the appearance of gold. The badge consisted of a wreath of oakleaves which was secured by a tie at the base and surmounted by an eagle and swastika. The main feature of the badge was a Viking ship on a globe showing Western Europe and part of the USA.
The Criteria for the award were:1) To have participated in a successful long distance voyage.
2) For outstanding leadership.
3) To have been wounded in the course of duty on one of these voyages.
- Air Gunner and Flight Engineer badge
The Air Gunner/Flight Engineer's Badge was instituted on June 22, 1942. It resembles the Radio Operator/Air Gunner badge, without the lightening bolts clutched in the eagles' claws. Early examples were made of Tombak, but as the war progressed zinc became the usual material. The badge was awarded to air gunners, flight engineers, and aircrew meteorologists, who completed two months training or had participated in five operational flights. The badge could be awarded sooner if the recipient was wounded during an operational flight.
- Luftwaffe Glider Qualification badge
- Mine Sweeper and Sub Chaser war badge
- Panzer (tank) Assault badge
- Coastal Artillery badge
- DRL Sports badge silver
- DRL Sports badge (enameled)
- League Members Badge of the German Colonies
- DRA Sports badge 1933 3rd place
- SA Sports Badge bronze