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WWII GERMAN COMBAT AND CIVILIAN BADGES AND AWARDS - From the periods of 1871 and 1918, Germany did not recognize any national decorations. There were numerous decorations but these were the decorations of the German Federal States, Prussia, bavaria, Saxony, badden, Hesse, etc. At this time, the Kaiser issued one medal (The War Commemorative medal of 1870-71).

When Hitler came to power, he re-instated the statue over title, decorations and badges of honor in April 7th, 1933. This was the first step in the installation of the insignia of the Third Reich.

The high quality construction and large variety of designs have turned combat and civilian badges and awards into a highly desirable military collectible. Stickpins were also issued for many of these badges. Both items could be worn on the unifoms.

The purpose of this section of the website is to educate, expose and share information with present and future militaria collectibles. We do so by providing an identification and price guide to the badges and awards employed by the Third Reich.

Following is a pictorial guide of a collection of the badges that were used by Nazi Germany during WWII. Information provided includes the current value of a German WWII badges. Keep in mind that the price of a badge may vary from area to area. Additional information includes the potential appreciation of the German badge.

  German badges were manufactured by a variety of companies. That is to say that a single type of badge may have been produced by 20 companies or more. Because of this fact, there may have been some manufacturing variations among the exact same badge. in order to better illustrate the differences, we have created the following section:

BADGE TYPE VARIATIONS VARIATIONS
Iron Cross 2nd Class View Variations View Variations in list format
Black Wound Badge View Variations View Variations in list format
Silver Wound Badge View Variations View Variations in list format
Infantry Assault Badge View Variations View Variations in list format

While the badges listed here are not for sale, you can visit our STORE to see the combat and civilian badges that are available for purchase.

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.

ALL BRANCHES
Some of the badges and awards of the Third Reich were not awarded specifically to one branch of the service, but rather, any soldier from any branch could perform the tasks required to earn the award.

Since multiple manufacturers may have created the same type of award, wherever possible, we show variations of the award.


WWII GERMAN ANTI PARTISAN BADGE (2 Example) The badge was issued to individuals who participated in the fight against the partisans. Authorized on January 30th of 1944. Very interesting design.

WWII GERMAN BLACK WOUND BADGE (6 Examples) Of metal construction. Stamped type with hollowed back and a pin. It was awarded to soldiers who were wounded 1 to 2 times. Instituted in 1939.

WWII GERMAN SILVER WOUND MEDAL W/BOX (6 Examples) The badge is made of solid metal and comes with a pin in back. It was instituted on the year of 1939. The soldier had to be wounded 3 to 4 times.

WWII GERMAN GOLD WOUND BADGE (1 Example) Instituted on 1939. This badge was awarded to individuals who received 5 or more wounds. Solid metal construction with a pin on back. Most of the examples are manufacturer marked.



WWII GERMAN IRON CROSS 2nd CLASS (7 Examples) The design of the cross was similar to the Maltese cross. One side shows the Swastika while the other displays the date of 1813 in the lower arm.

WWII GERMAN IRON CROSS 1ST CLASS (5 Examples) Of three part construction where the frames are placed together to secure a flat wafer. The front shows a swastika with 1939 at the bottom. Pin-back construction.

WWII GERMAN SA BRONZE SPORTS AWARD (1 Example) The design consists of a wreath with a swastika in the center and a sword placed from top to bottom. Pin-back construction with many markings in back.

WWII GERMAN SA SILVER SPORTS AWARD (1 Example) This is another example of the award but issued in a different class. The same construction applies but the markings may be different.



WWII GERMAN EASTERN FRONT MEDAL (5 Examples) - This medal comes with a red ribbon with two white stripes down the center and a black stripe between the white. Issued to soldiers who participated in the Eastern front.


SPANISH CIVIL WAR SILVER WOUND MEDAL (1 example) - This award was issued to Soldiers who assisted the Spanish forces during the civil war. Hollowed back construction. Pin-back type.


WWII GERMAN CROSS IN GOLD - Instituted on September 28th of 1941. Issued to soldiers who showed examplerary courage in the battlefield. The award was just below the Knight;s Cross.

WWII GERMAN CROSS IN SILVER - Instituted on September 28th of 1941. It was issued to personnel for displaying significant acts of leadership which assisted the war effort.



WWII GERMAN IRON CROSS SECOND CLASS SPANG - TYPE 1 (1 Example) - The Spang was an award issued during WWII as a way to indicate that the recipient had recieved the 1914 Iron Cross. The award was introduced in 1939.


WWII GERMAN IRON CROSS FIRST CLASS SPANG (1 Example) - The Spang was an award issued during WWII as a way to indicate that the recipient had recieved the 1914 Iron Cross. The award was introduced in 1939.


WWII GERMAN CROSS ON GOLD - CLOTH VERSION (1 Example) - This is the cloth version of the German Cross in gold. It was sewn to the field uniform.


WWII GERMAN GOLD DRIVING PROFICIENCY BADGE (1 Example) - This is the highest version of the driver proficiency award. The green cloth indicates use by the army.



WWII GERMAN EASTERN PEOPLES FIRST CLASS SPANG (1 Example) - This award was issued to local volunteers from the Eastern front to recognize actions of valor.


WWII GERMAN EASTERN PEOPLE BRAVERY AWARD - These award was issued in recognition of bravery exhibited in combat. Flower pattern with pin-back construction.



LUFTWAFFE (AIR FORCE)
The Luftwaffe is a generic German term for an air force. It is also the official name for two of the four historic German air forces, the Wehrmacht air arm founded in 1933 and disbanded in 1946; and the current Bundeswehr air arm founded in 1956. Two other historic German air forces are the World War I-era Luftstreitkr�fte and the Luftstreitkr�fte der NVA in the GDR. The Luftwaffe was one of the three official branches of the Wehrmacht.

Since multiple manufacturers may have created the same type of combat badge, wherever possible, we show variations of the combat badge.

The following section provides a pictorial history of several Luftwaffe combat badges. information includes the price for each combat badge. Keep in mind that the value of a Luftwaffe combat badge may vary from location to location. Additional information includes the increase in value potential for each badge.


WWII GERMAN LUFTWAFFE PARATROOPER BADGE (2 Examples) The Air Force paratrooper badge was authorized on November 5th, 1936 by the Minister of Aviation. Of two piece construction. Pin-back type.

WWII GERMAN LUFTWAFFE
PILOT BADGE (1 Example)
The pilot's badge was instituted on August 12, 1935 by order of Hermann Goring. consisted of an eagle clutching a swastika. A wreath surrounds the eagle.

WWII LUFTWAFFE UNQUALIFIED GUNNER BADGE (1 Example) WWII Luftwaffe Un-qualified Air Gunner badge. Instituted on June 1942. This badge was issued to individuals who participated in at least 10 missions under the role of Air Gunner.

WWII LUFTWAFFE HAT EAGLE (1 Example) Of metal construction. Two brass prongs are found in the back. This eagle was attached to the Luftwaffe dress hat. Features an eagle in flight clutching a swastika.



WWII LUFWAFFE GROUND ASSAULT BADGE (2 Examples) The badge was authorized on March 31st 1942. It was presented in a box. A document was given with the award. It was issued to recognize combat actions.

WWII LUFWAFFE ANTI AIRCRAFT BADGE (3 Examples) Instituted on July 19th 1940. Of two piece construction where the eagle is a separate piece. Pin back type. The back is manufacturer marked.

WWII GERMAN LUFTWAFFE OBSERVER BADGE (1 Example) The badge was authorized on March 26, 1936 by the commander-in-chief of the Luftwaffe. Manufactured by the Assmann company. Two piece construction.

WWII GERMAN LUFTWAFFE TROPICAL BREAST EAGLE (1 Example) Very light weigth construction. The size is about 2 1/2 times that of the regular metal eagles. This sample has a raised logo in the shape of the letter "A". Representing the Assmann company.



WWII GERMAN LUFTWAFFE TRANSPORT BADGE (1 Example) The badge was established on January 30th, 1941 by the Ministry of Aviation. It was designed by Proffessor V. Weech of Berlin. It was issued in recognition for air activities against the enemy.

WWII GERMAN LUFTWAFFE RECONNAISSANCE CLASP (1 Example) The badge was established on January 30th 1941. It was issued to reconnaissance and Air-Sea rescue personnel.

WWII GERMAN LUFTWAFFE BOMBER OPERATIONAL CLASP (1 Example) The badge was established on January 30th 1941. This clasp was issued to recognize the work from individuals in the heavy, medium and dive bombers.

WWII GERMAN LUFTWAFFE SPANISH CROSS WITH SWORDS ON SILVER (1 Example) The badge was established on April 14th 1939. It was issued to members of the Condor Legion In recognition for service in Spain.


KRIEGSMARINE (NAVY)
the Kriegsmarine was the name of the German Navy between 1935 and 1945, during the Nazi regime, superseding the Reichsmarine, and the Kaiserliche Marine of World War I. The Kriegsmarine was one of three official branches of the Wehrmacht.

Since multiple manufacturers may have created the same type of combat badge, wherever possible, we show variations of the combat badge.


WWII WAR BADGE FOR AUXILIARY CRUISERS (2 Example)

This badge was established on April 24th, 1941. It was designed by Ernst peekhaus of Berlin. The badge was awarded in recognition for assisting with the war effort by sinking large enemy cargo ships.


WWII GERMAN NAVY HIGH SEAS BADGE (4 Examples)

This badge was established on April 30th, 1941. It was designed by Adolf Bock of Berlin. Issued to sailors who exhibited distinction and good conduct in the execution of missions inside a battleship or cruiser.


WWII GERMAN NAVY DESTROYER BADGE (3 Examples)

The Destroyers War badge was authorized on June 4th 1940 by the Grand Admiral Erich Raeder. This award was first issued to participants of the battle of Narvik.


WWII GERMAN NAVY SUBMARINE BADGE (1 Example)

The Submarine badge was introduced in 1939. It was distributed to crew members of submarines in the German Navy who participated in two ro more missions against enemy forces.




WWII GERMAN E-BOAT TORPEDO BADGE (1 Example)

This badge was created on May 30th, 1941. It was designed by Ernst Peekhaus of Berlin. The conditions required to earn the badge include the execution of 12 missions.


WWII GERMAN MINE SWEEPER BADGE (7 Examples)

The War Badge for Mine Sweepers, Sub Chasers and Escort Ships was created on August 31, 1940. The purpose was to recognize valuable service provided by crew members of vessels.


WWII GERMAN COASTAL ARTILLERY BADGE (2 Example)

This badge was awarded for distinguished action in the maning of coastal artillery. The award was established on June 24th, 1941. Given to personnel of all ranks who participated in battle or were killed in action.


WWII GERMAN SR PETTY OFFICER PATCH (1 Example)

The petty officer badges were produced in two types; the regular petty officer and the Sr. petty officer. The difference between the two was the chevron located below the anchor.




WWII GERMAN NAVY BLOCKADE RuNNER BADGE

Instituted on April 1st 1941 by Hitler. The award was issued in recognition of the courage exhibited by Navy merchant personnel in breaking the chokehold placed by allied naval forces towards Germany.



HEER (ARMY)
The HEER is the land component of the armed forces of the Third Reich. This is one of the three official branches of the Wehrmacht. Between 1935 and 1945 this force grew to consist of hundreds of divisions and thousands of smaller supporting units. Between 1939 and 1945 close to 16 million individuals served in the Army.

Since multiple manufacturers may have created the same type of combat badge, wherever possible, we show variations of the combat badge.


WWII GERMAN ARMY PARATROOPER BADGE (1 Example) The Army paratrooper badge was instituted on September 1st 1937 by the commander in chief of the German Army, Von Fritsch. Paratroopers became a part of the Luftwaffe in later years.

INFANTRY ASSAULT BADGE - SILVER (13 Examples) The Infantry Assault badge was instituted on December 20th 1939 following the orders of Von Brauchitsch. It was designed by the company C.E. Junker in Berlin.

WWII GERMAN ARMY MARKMAN'S LANYARD (1 Example) The marksman's lanyard was issued in recognition of skill with a firearm. The award came in the form of a cord which attached from the shoulder to a button near the chest.

WWII GERMAN ARMY SHOOTING LANYARD (1 Example) The design of the shooting award consisted of a silver lanyard with threaded thich strings. One end has a loop made of a single strand of string while the other end caps in an oval shape holding a shield.



WWII GERMAN GOLD TANK DESTROYER (1 Example) WWII German Gold Tank Destroyer award. Introduced on March 9th, 1942. It was established by Hitler to recognize the destruction of a tank by a single soldier.

WWII GERMAN BRONZE TANK BADGE (3 Examples) The Tank badge was created on June 1st 1940. It was awarded to non--tank personnel such as those manning armored vehicles. The design was identical to the Silver tank badge.

WWII GERMAN SILVER TANK BADGE (2 Examples) The tank badge was designed on December 20th, 1939 by Ernst Peekhaus. The award was issued to tank personnel which included tank commanders, gunners, drivers and radio operators.

WWII GERMAN SILVER TANK DESTROYER (1 Example) WWII Silver Tank Destroyer award. Introduced on March 9th, 1942. It was established by Hitler to recognize the destruction of a tank by a single soldier.



WWII BRONZE CLOSE COMBAT BADGE (2 Examples) - The Close Combat clasp award was instituted on November 25th, 1942. It was given to soldiers who participated in 15 days of close fighting.

WWII GERMAN NAVY HAT EAGLE (1 Example) - Metal eagles like this one were attached to the front of hats to indicate the branch of service. The back has three metal prongs which are used to attach the eagle.

WWII GERMAN GENERAL ASSAULT BADGE (1 Example) - The general assault badge was instituted on June 1st 1940 by General Von Brauschitsch. Awarded for participation on three armoured assaults over a period of three different days.

WWII GERMAN ARMY ANTI AIRCRAFT BADGE - The design consists of an oval wreath with the army eagle in the uper section. an 88 artillery piece is featured inside the wreath.
(2 Examples)



WWII GERMAN NARVIK SHIELD (1 Example) - The Narvik Shield was issued on August 19th 1940. Adolf Hitler wanted to create a series of shields to be awarded to soldiers who participated in different battles

WWII GERMAN KRIM SHIELD (1 Example) - This shield was issued on July 1942 by orders of Adolf Hitler. Soldiers who participated in air, land and sea battles between September 1941 and July 1942 were eligible for the award

WWII GERMAN KUBAN SHIELD (1 Example) - This battle shield was created on September 21, 1943. The shield was issued to commemorate the campaign launched in the Crimean area after February 1943.

WWII GERMAN DEMJANSK SHIELD (1 Example) - The Demjansk shield was instituted on April 25th, 1943. Hitler authorized the creation of this shield. The shield was of metal construction with wool backing.



WWII GERMAN LAPPLAND SHIELD - This shield was issued to members of the armed forces who participated in the Lappland campaig.


 
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