WWII GERMAN CLOSE COMBAT BADGE -
This is a German WWII Close Combat clasp. This award was instituted on November 25th, 1942. There were three
grades issued; Bronze, Silver and Gold. The physical appearance of the the badges was identical from class to
class. The only difference was the color. Requirements for receiving the award of the Close Combat badge are
listed below.
BADGE REQUIREMENTS
The main purpose for this award was to reward troops who participated in combat activities. The criteria for earning
the award was defined in the following table. Note that the criteria listed here only applies to the Silver Infantry
assault badge.
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1. Soldier engaged in hand to hand combat while supported by armor. |
2. Bronze badge - Fifteen days of close combat. Reduced to ten days if the soldier is wounded. |
3. Silver badge - Thirty days of close combat. reduced to twenty if the soldier is wounded. |
4. Gold badge - Serving fifty days in close combat. Reduced to forty days if soldier is wounded. |
5. Russian front (1941) - Five close combat days represent eight months of service. |
6. Russian front (1941) - Ten close combat days represent twelve months of service. |
7. Russian front (1941) - Fifteen close combat days represent fifteen months of service. |
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Several manufacturers produced this badge and it was distributed in large quantities, making it one of the most
common and readily available awards of the Third Reich. However, this has not proven to be a deterrent to the makers
of reproductions. There are a lot of fakes out in the market.
Hitler had an affinity for the Close Combat badge. He was instrumental in the development of the award.
In the early days he reserved the right of awarding himself the gold class badge to any soldier who earned it.
The first set of awards issued by Hitler took place on August 27th 1944, where he gave them to fourteen members
of the Waffen SS and army.
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The Close Combat clasp was worn on the left breast of the
tunic,
above the ribbons. This sample is nicely marked with raised lettering.
The badge was designed by Ernst Wilhelm Peckhause. He was an artist from the city of Berlin.
By the end of the war a total of 403 Gold Close Combat badges were issued to armed forces personnel.
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INFANTRY ASSAULT BADGE DESIGN
The badge consists of a vertical oval shaped wreath. With a large army eagle residing at the
top of the oval. A ring is placed at the bottom of the wreath and it simulates as if though
it is holding the ends together. The Army eagle has its wings retracted. The eagle's head is
facing to the right. It is clutching a swastika.
A K-98 rifle
crosses the entire oval at an angle. The rifle has a
bayonet
affixed. The butt stock and the tip of the bayonet extend beyond the perimeter of the wreath.
A rifle sling rests away from the rifle and forms an opening in between the rifle and the
sling.
No markings are found on the back of the badge. Some of the Infantry Assault badges would
have a maker's mark
stamped on them while others would not.
PIN AND HINGE DESIGN
A vertical pin is hinged at the top of the badge. A catch is attached to the bottom portion, securing the pin
shut. The award was worn on the tunic by passing the pin through loops sewn onto the jacket of the recipient.
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The "Military minute" is a series of instructional videos created by MilitaryItems.com for the purpose of
providing basic information about military collectibles. The idea is to expose people to the exciting
world of military collectibles.
The video presentation coupled with detailed photographs and written information, including a military
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Whether you are a long time collector, a beginner or simply have an interest in the history and value of
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This page is a recognition and identification guide for WWII German badges and awards. Multiple
detailed photos of a specific sample are provided. Descriptions point out clearly defined points
that should be noted.
One of the most commonly asked questions is "How much is my WWII German badge worth?". A price
guide is included here to address this question. The value of the badges and awards is reviewed
over a period of several years. A trend can be observed. The present worth of the German
badges in the collector's market is illustrated.
This service is provided free of charge to the visitor/enthusiast courtesy of
MilitaryItems.com,
a company dedicated to the preservation of military history and to providing quality military
antiques and collectibles to museums, institutions and the general public.
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This award is currently being
reproduced.
It is becoming more difficult to be able to tell the fake ones from the real ones because the quality
of the reproductions is improving. The collector must become familiarized with the construction style
and materials employed in the manufacturing of this badge. Attention to the details is critical in
order to be able to determine the authenticity of the badge.
If you have an interest is seeing other badges and awards of the Third Reich, you can do so by going
to our
WWII German Badges and Awards
identification guide. Where we cover Heer (Army), Navy (Kriegsmarine) and
Air Force (Luftwaffe) items.
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