WOUND BADGE

First instituted during World War I, the badge had three versions: black, for those wounded once or twice by hostile action (including air raids), or frost-bitten in the line of duty; silver for being wounded three or four times, or suffering loss of a hand, foot or eye from hostile action (also partial loss of hearing), facial disfigurement or brain damage via hostile action; and in gold (which could be awarded posthumously) for five or more times wounded, total blindness or severe brain damage via hostile action. Badges exist in pressed steel, brass and zinc, as well as some base metal privately commissioned versions.

INFANTRY ASSAULT BADGE

The bronze class was instituted on June 1, 1940. It was awarded to motorized Panzer troops according to the following criteria: To have taken part in three or more motorized infantry assaults. To have taken part in three or more motorized infantry counter-attacks. To have taken part in three or more motorized armed reconnaissance operations. To have been engaged in hand-to-hand combat in motorized assault positions. To have participated on three separate days in the restitution of a motorized combat position. The silver class was instituted on December 20, 1939 by the commander of the OKH, Walther von Brauchitsch, and was awarded to infantry soldiers according to one of the following criteria: To have taken part in three or more infantry assaults. To have taken part in three or more infantry counter-attacks. To have taken part in three or more armed reconnaissance operations. To have engaged in hand-to-hand combat in an assault position. To have participated on three separate days in the restitution of combat positions.

PANZER BADGE

The Panzer Badge was introduced on December 20, 1939, in order to recognize the achievements of Panzer personnel who took part in armored assaults Panzerkampfwagen IV Silver Panzer Badge criteria were, to have taken part in 3 armored assaults on 3 different days, to have been wounded in an assault, to have won a decoration for bravery in an assault. The Silver class was presented to tank commanders, gunners or radio operators while the bronze class was presented to the Panzer-Grenadier regiments, tank assault crew, armored recon units, and medical personnel who went into battle in armored vehicles. The award was authorized through the Panzer Division commander.

CLOSE COMBAT CLASP

Close Combat Clasp (German: Nahkampfspange) is a German military award instituted on November 25, 1942 for achievement in hand to hand fighting in close quarters. The Close Combat Clasp was worn above the upper left uniform pocket. The clasp was die-cast and made of either Tombac or later Zinc, with a slightly curved and hand centerpiece consisting of the national emblem surmounting a crossed bayonet and hand grenade. The award was bestowed in three classes. For 15 days of combat a Bronze Class was awarded. For 30 days of combat a Silver Class was awarded. For 50 days of combat a Gold Class was awarded..