German Third Reich WW2 Issue SS/Infantry Assault Combat Badge

(Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen in Silber). Likely by Schickle/Mayer. Constructed of silvered metal the shape of an oval shaped oak wreath, with a national eagle clutching a swastika on the top and a bowtie on the bottom. Diagonally across the badge is a Karabiner 98k with the bayonet attached to the front of the barrel and the carrying sling hanging from the rifle; the reverse plain; with a vertical round wire pinback, a barrel hinge and a round wire catch; The Infantry Assault Badge was a German war badge awarded to Waffen SS and Wehrmacht Heer soldiers during WWII. This decoration was instituted on December 20th 1939 by the Oberstbefehlshaber des Heeres, Generalfeldmarschall von Brauchitsch. It could be awarded to members of non-motorized Infantry units and units of the Gebirgsj?ger that had participated in Infantry assaults, with light Infantry weapons, on at least three days of battle in the front line as from January 1st 1940. When a counter offensive led to fighting at short distance, it could also apply. Award of the Infanterie Sturmabzeichen was authorized at regimental command level or above. The first two awards were given to an officer and a enlisted soldier on a special occasion on May 28th 1940, by von Brauchitsch himself. Photo in the gallery of SS Sturmbannfuhrer Otto Weidinger wearing , amongst his other decorations, his same Infantry Assault Badge.

Code: 24659