The Heer and SS, constituting the bulk of the land armies of the Reich, shared the badges that are covered in the following pages. These badges were earned only after enduring the closest, most personal and brutal form of warfare; Infantry Combat. Some badges required that infantry “see the white” in the enemies eyes. They were worn only by Germanys legions of battle harden veterans. Numbered Badges were very difficult to attain, they were earned only after extensive and proficient action.

These awards also covered the new weapons used during World War II. Panzer Badges were created to decorate both blitzkriegs attacking tank crews and defensive tank hunting personnel. The numbered badges were prestigious, and were reserved for the most skilled and lucky armor aces.

The Infantry Combat Badge

Infantry Assault Badge in Silver	Infantry Assault Badge in Bronze

Introduction

The Infantry Combat Badge, more commonly referred to as the Infantry Assault Badge, was designed by C. E. Junker of Berlin and instituted on December 20, 1939 by Generaloberst von Brauchitsch. The initial class was instituted in silver and decorated foot infantry who participated in combat action earning a degree of experience that qualified them for the badge.

In order to recognize the mobilization of Panzer troops, a separate class, in Bronze, was instituted on June 1, 1940. The Bronzed class had criteria similar to the requirements the Silver. There was, however, one notable distinction; The status of the troops, Bronzed meant motorized, silver foot infantry.

Manufacturing and Technical information

The Infantry Assault Badge consists of an oval wreath of oak leaves, made up of four leaves on each side of the arch. Every oak leaf has two acorns, one on each side of the base of the leaf. Centered at the bottom of the badge is a ribbon tied around the wreath, with five raised pellets in a vertical position at the center of this ribbon. The Badges most distinguishable feature is the K98 rifle positioned diagonally across award. The butt of this rifle, positioned on the right, is slightly below the wreath. It leans to the left, with its fixed bayonet protruding through the last of the four oak leaves. The rifle sling forms a loop, hanging from the stock to the butt. Surmounting the wreath is the national emblem; an eagle with down swept wings clutching a swastika in its talons. The badge has intricate detailing from the eagle down to the bolt on the rifle.

The Infantry Assault Badge measures 46mm across and is slightly convex with either a solid or hollow back, and could be die stamped or cast. Due to the many different makers of this badge, it is not unusual to find slight differences between them. Close examination of the pictures will reveal subtle differences, such as the bayonet’s length and the rifle sling. Throughout the Third Reich period, the metals that were used in the manufacturing were continually changing. At the onset of the war, higher quality metals, such as: gold, silver, bronze, brass and nickel silver were in great supply. As war broke out, restrictions were placed on the use of these metals, and the metals that manufactures were forced to use were of lower quality. These war metals are known as tombak, kriegsmetal, and white metals. Gold and silver were used mainly as plating, or reserved for high-ranking recipients and privately purchased awards. Early Infantry Assault badges that where stamped had a heavy plating of the correct finish applied to them. As the new restrictions came into effect and the lower quality metals were used, a silver or Bronze "wash" was applied to the badge, which did not take long to wear off leaving the grayish metal exposed. For a more detailed study of the subject please visit the Badges Construction Techniques page.

Presentation, Wear and Documents

Both Infantry Assault Badges were awarded in recognition of combat action. Authorized through the regiment commander, awards of the Infantry Assault Badge were made on the field and issued with an award document. This award document was of the standard type and included information on the recipient, such as date, unit and name but as with most Third Reich documents no mention of the merit that earned the badge. The award itself came in a brown paper envelope with the name of the award printed on it. As with most war badges, it was worn on the left breast pocket. There was no provision for the Badge to be worn on the gray coat.

Award Criteria

The silver Infantry Assault Badge was awarded to enlisted men, officers, NCO's of rifle companies (not in Motorized Infantry Divisions) and Mountain Troop companies. As mentioned above on June 1, 1940, the Bronze Infantry Assault Badge was instituted for Motorized Infantry regiments. Award criteria is as follows:

SILVER AWARD:
1. To have taken part in three or more infantry assaults.
2. To have taken part in three or more infantry counter-attacks.
3. To have taken part in three or more armed reconnaissance operations.
4. To have engaged in hand to hand combat in an assault position.
5. To have participated on three separate days in the restitution of combat positions.

BRONZE AWARD:
1. To have taken part in three or more motorized infantry assaults.
2. To have taken part in three or more motorized infantry counter-attacks.
3. To have taken part in three or more motorized armed reconnaissance operations.
4. To have been engaged in hand to hand combat in motorized assault positions.
5. To have participated on three separate days, in the restitution of a motorized combat position.

Panzer Infantry on the Attack

The following Heer and SS Badges will be covered here in the near future.

Coming Soon….

General Assault Badge
General Assault Badge 25 Class
General Assault Badge 50 Class
General Assault Badge 100 Class

Silver Tank Battle Badge
Silver Tank Battle Badge 25 Class
Silver Tank Battle Badge 50 Class
Silver Tank Battle Badge 100 Class
Silver Tank Battle Badge 200 Class

Bronze Tank Battle Badge
Bronze Tank Battle Badge 25 Class
Bronze Tank Battle Badge 50 Class
Bronze Tank Battle Badge 100 Class
Bronze Tank Battle Badge 200 Class

Special Badge for Single-Handed Destruction of a Tank Silver Class
Special Badge for Single-Handed Destruction of a Tank Gold Class

Close Combat Bar Bronze Class
Close Combat Bar Silver Class
Close Combat Bar Gold Class

Army Balloon Observation Badge Bronze Class
Army Balloon Observation Badge Silver Class
Army Balloon Observation Badge Gold Class

Army Parachutist Badge

Anti-Partisan War Badge

Army Anti-Aircraft Badge