Panzer Badge

The Panzer Badge (German: Panzerkampfabzeichen) was a World War II military decoration of Nazi Germany awarded to troops in armoured divisions. Before 1 June 1940 it was known as the Panzerkampfwagenabzeichen.[1]

For the World War I medal, see Tank Memorial Badge.
Not to be confused with Tank Destruction Badge.
Panzer Badge
Panzerkampfabzeichen
Awarded by  Nazi Germany
TypeBadge
EligibilityMilitary personnel
Awarded forArmoured warfare
Campaign(s)World War II
StatusObsolete
Statistics
Established20 December 1939
Distinct
recipients		Approx. 34,500,
(22,000 silver, 12,500 in bronze)

Creation and eligibility

Introduced on 20 December 1939, the Panzer Badge was authorized for award to tank crews who had actively participated in three armoured assaults on different days.[2]
On 1 June 1940 a bronze version was created for panzer grenadier units equipped with armoured vehicles, as well as other infantry, armoured reconnaissance and medical units serving with Panzer divisions.[3] From 31 December 1942 armoured unit repair teams could receive the silver badge for repairing tanks in combat conditions on three different days.[1]

In June 1943 additional Tank Badges were instituted in both silver and bronze to reward participation in 25, 50, 75 and 100 armoured actions. The number of engagements required for these higher-level badges could be reduced for those with previous long and continuous frontline service or who had received disabling wounds.[1] Only one badge, the highest level received, could be worn.[3]

The authorization of these badges was usually done at regimental or divisional level.[4]

Design and wear

The badge is oval and consists of a three-quarters front image of a Panzer IV tank, surrounded by an oak wreath and surmounted by the Wehrmacht eagle and swastika. The badge for tank crews is silver in colour, with a bronze finish version for other eligible combatants serving with armoured divisions.[4] The badge, measuring 42mm by 61mm,[5] has a brooch pin and was worn on the left side of the tunic.[3]

The versions for 25 and more engagements are of broadly the same design, but are slightly larger with a small plaque at the base of the wreath bearing the number of actions rewarded. While still issued in silver and bronze, the 25 and 50 silver versions show the tank with a black finish,[4] with both the silver and bronze 75 and 100 badges having a gilded wreath.[6] The 75 and 100 badges are wider, measuring 51mm by 60mm and were struck in a lightweight zinc alloy;[5] ensuring that the larger pin did not pull inconveniently on the tunic.[4]

1957 version

After an initial ban, the Federal Republic of Germany re-authorized the wear of many World War II military decorations in 1957, including the Panzer Badge. Re-designed to remove the eagle and swastika, members of the Bundeswehr could wear the badge on the ribbon bar, represented by a small replica of the award on a field grey ribbon.[7]

  • The 1957 denazified variants
  • The 1957 denazified Luftwaffe variants

Luftwaffe version

Luftwaffe ground troops had been eligible for the Tank Badge from its creation.[8] In November 1944 a special Luftwaffe version was approved, with the same award criteria as the existing badge, including the special awards for 25, 50, 75 and 100 engagements.[9] The design followed the earlier badge, but with the Luftwaffe eagle and swastika replacing the folded-wing Wehrmacht eagle.[8]

While awards of the new badge were authorized, and award certificates issued, there is no evidence that it was actually presented before the end of the war. In 1957 a 'de-nazified' version was approved, this removing the swastika while retaining the Luftwaffe eagle emblem.[10]

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References
  1. Klietmann 1981, pp. 113-114.
  2. Windrow 1982.
  3. Littlejohn & Dodkins 1968, p. 152.
  4. Williamson & Pavlović 2002, pp. 9-10.
  5. Michaelis 2008, pp. 72-76.
  6. Littlejohn & Dodkins 1968, p. 151.
  7. Littlejohn & Dodkins 1968, pp. 225-226.
  8. Williamson & Pavlović 2002, p. 37.
  9. Littlejohn & Dodkins 1968, p. 177.
  10. Williamson & Pavlović 2002, p. 38.

Sources
  • Klietmann, Kurt-Gerhard (1981). Auszeichnungen des Deutschen Reiches. 1936–1945, 11 Auflage (in German). Motorbuch, Stuttgart. ISBN 3-87943-689-4.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)
  • Littlejohn, David; Dodkins, Colonel C. M. (1968). Orders, Decorations, Medals and Badges of the Third Reich. R. James Bender Publishing, California. ISBN 978-0854200801.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)
  • Michaelis, Rolf (2008). Deutsche Kriegsauszeichnungen 1939-1945 Heer - Waffen-SS - Polizei (in German). Winkelried Verlag, Leisnig. ISBN 3930849313.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)
  • Williamson, Gordon; Pavlović, Darko (2002). World War II German Battle Insignia. Osprey. ISBN 1841763527.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)
  • Windrow, Martin (1982). The Panzer Divisions. Osprey Publishing. ISBN 0-85045-434-4.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)
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