|
WWII GERMAN TANK DESTROYER AWARD - SILVER -
Tank warfare was started during WWI. However, the full potential of the new weapon was not exercised until
WWII. The Allies and Axis forces engaged in the biggest tank battles the world has ever seen. The
Germans shocked the world with Blitzkrieg, which was a strategy that employed tanks supported by
infantry and air power. The proliferation of tanks gave rise to anti-tank weapons. A tank could be
destroyed in a multitude of fashions. The most difficult one being a single soldier taking on the tank.
The German armed forces came up with an award to recognize individuals who accomplished this task.
This is a 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. The combatant would usually employ an anti tank weapon such as bazooka, granade, etc. The award was issued with a document.
The Tank destroyer award consisted of two types;
Silver and gold.
The Golg type is the highest tank destroyer award given. This award is rare and very hard to find because
a limited number were produced since it was hard to earn.
The following picture shows the different components of the badge. The piece of wool is shorter than the length
of the ribbon. In other samples I have seen, the lengths of both pieces are identical.
This is the back portion of the badge.
The tank destroyer award consisted of three separate pieces. A rectangular piece of gold cloth with Two black solid lines run the length of the strip. one placed in the upper side the other in the lower side. A
metal rectange with two round holes near its center creates a back plate. The last section is a metal stamping of the profile of a tank.
The metal tank has two prongs that go through the holes of the back plate and the gold cloth. Once in place
the prongs are bent to form the award. The plate provides rigidity to the award.
The picture here shows the front portion of the badge. Very good detail is shown in the stamping of all the
components of the tank.
|
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.
|
|
The badge featured here has come taken apart. The story is that the GI who brought it back found it this way in
a factory. A piece of wool material is placed behind the silver cloth. This design helps improve the rigidity
of the award. In addition, the tank is attached to a thin metal plate that resides behind it, hidden out of
view.
This badge is commonly reproduced. The buyer must pay close attention to all details in construction to make
sure the item is correct and not a replica.
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!
