WWII GERMAN INFANTRY ASSAULT BADGE -
The item featured here is a German Infantry Assault badge. As issued during WWII. The badge was designed by C.E.
Junker of the city of Berlin. After a series of reviews the design was approved. After that it went into full
production and was instituted as a recognized badge of the Third Reich on December 20th 1939. The authorization was
handed down by Generaloberst Von Brauchtisch.
BADGE REQUIREMENTS
The main purpose for this award was to reward troops who excelled in combat. The criteria for the award was
as follows:
 |
Rules for awarding the Silver Infantry Assault badge.
| 1 |
The soldier must participate in a minimum of three attacks. |
2 |
Engage in hand to hand combat during the assault on a position. |
3 |
Participate in three or more armed reconnaissance missions. |
| 4 |
To have taken part in three or more counter attacks. |
5 |
To participate in three different days in the restitution of combat positions. |
6 |
To engage three or more times in a combination of activities 1 and 4. |
|
 |
|
The award was normally issued by the regimental commander and was worn on the lower left portion
of the tunic.
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.
The Infantry Assault Badge was issued to members of the armed forces for direct participation on battles.
There were two main classes of badges produced, Silver and Bronze.
In addition, there were variations within the classes known as numbered badges. These awards had a number
at the bottom of the badge to indicate the number of battles where the soldier took part. The available numbers were
25, 50, 75 and 100.
|
The award was normally issued by the regimental commander and was worn on the lower left portion
of the tunic.
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.
The Infantry Assault Badge was issued to members of the armed forces for direct participation on battles.
Different classes of this badge were produced depending on the number of battles.
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.
|
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
collectible's price guide, and anatomical breakdown of each piece enhances the visitor's experience.
Whether you are a long time collector, a beginner or simply have an interest in the history and value of
each collectible, we hope that you find the information presented here useful.
|
|
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.
|
|
COLLECTING INFANTRY ASSAULT BADGES
Collecting Third Reich memorabilia is a field that has been growing since the days the GI's rummaged around
Europe bringing back military souvenirs. German soldiers wore many of their awards on their uniforms when they
went to battle. Once the soldier was killed or captured, the American soldiers would take the awards as war
trophies. Eventually all these pieces came back to the United States where military history enthusiasts began
to collect them.
|
"I am trying to figure out if I should get into collecting Infantry Assault badges."
 |
Determining which military badges to collect can be a challenging decision. The combination of availabiilty and
cost will often set the pace of what can be collected.
The adjacent table outlines some of the advantages and disadvantages of collecting the Infantry Assault badge.
|
|
 |
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.
|
Swat the Shopping Bug to view related military items!
