The Third Reich Military Service Badges were a series of awards and decorations introduced by Nazi Germany to honor members of its armed forces for their service and achievements during the Second World War. These badges were instituted during the Third Reich era under Adolf Hitler’s regime and were designed to symbolize various aspects of military service and specialization. In this article, we will cover all the service badges for the German Air Force (Luftwaffe), army (Heer), and Naval Force (Kriegsmarine).
Featured Third Reich Service Badges
Explore the most renowned medals, orders, and decorations bestowed by the nazi regime during the interwar period and World War II. Keep scrolling if you want to see the coplete collection for each group.
The Naval Artillery War Badge
The Naval Artillery War Badge was a World War II decoration awarded to the crews of land-based marine artillery and anti-aircraft units.
The Sniper’s Badge
The Sniper’s Badge was a WW2 German military decoration established in 1944 and awarded to snipers of the German Army and the Waffen-SS.
The Wound Badge (1945)
The Wound Badge (Verwundetenabzeichen) was a military decoration awarded to wounded soldiers during the Third Reich and WW2.
The Air Gunner and Flight Engineer Badge of the Luftwaffe
The Air Gunner and Flight Engineer Badge was a German award given to Luftwaffe flight engineers, air gunners, and aircrew meteorologists.
The Panzer Badge or Tank Battle Badge (Nazi Germany)
The Panzer Badge (or Panzerkampfabzeichen) was a World War II military decoration of Nazi Germany awarded to troops in armored divisions.
All The Service Badges From The Third Reich
(And How They Were Awarded)
The Third Reich Military Service Badges were a series of awards and decorations introduced by Nazi Germany to honor members of its armed forces for their service and achievements. People were assigned different badges based on their roles, duties, and achievements within the military branch for which the badge was awarded. In Nazi Germany, the criteria for receiving badges varied depending on the specific badge and the branch of the armed forces to which the individual belonged.
For example, eligibility for infantry-related badges such as the Infantry Assault Badge or the Close Combat Clasp was often based on participation in combat actions and demonstrated proficiency in infantry tactics or close-quarters combat. Similarly, tank crew members would receive the Panzer Assault Badge for their proficiency and bravery in armored warfare.
In the case of the Luftwaffe, pilots and aircrew might be eligible for badges such as the Luftwaffe Pilot’s Badge or the Luftwaffe Ground Assault Badge based on their roles and responsibilities within the air force. These badges typically required completion of specific training programs, demonstrated skill in flying or ground support operations, and participation in combat missions.
The Army/Waffen-SS
War Badges and Clasps
The Army/Waffen-SS war badges were a series of military decorations awarded by Nazi Germany to members of the Army (Heer) and the Waffen-SS for their service and achievements during World War II.
The Panzer Badge or Tank Battle Badge (Nazi Germany)
The Panzer Badge (or Panzerkampfabzeichen) was a World War II military decoration of Nazi Germany awarded to troops in armored divisions.
The Infantry Assault Badge
The Infantry Assault Badge is a Military Service Badge (Army/Waffen-SS) from the Third Reich, Germany, Second World War.
The General Assault Badge
The General Assault Badge is a Military Service Badge (Army/Waffen-SS) from the Third Reich, Germany, Second World War.
The Anti-Partisan Guerrilla Warfare Badge
The Anti-Partisan Guerrilla Warfare Badge is a Military Service Badge (Army/Waffen-SS) from the Third Reich, Germany, Second World War.
The Balloon Observer’s Badge
The Balloon Observer’s Badge is a Military Service Badge (Army/Waffen-SS) from the Third Reich, Germany, Second World War.
The Close Combat Clasp
The Close Combat Clasp (Nahkampfspange) was instituted on 25 November 1942, during WW2, for participation in hand-to-hand fighting.
The Wound Badge (1945)
The Wound Badge (Verwundetenabzeichen) was a military decoration awarded to wounded soldiers during the Third Reich and WW2.
The Tank Destruction Badge
The Tank Destruction Badge was a World War II German military decoration given to members of the Wehrmacht who had destroyed an enemy tank.
The Sniper’s Badge
The Sniper’s Badge was a WW2 German military decoration established in 1944 and awarded to snipers of the German Army and the Waffen-SS.
The Army Mountain Guide Badge
The Army Mountain Guide Badge was a German military badge awarded to experienced Gebirgsjager mountain guides during the Third Reich.
The Parachutist Badge (Army Version)
The Parachutist Badge was awarded to qualified parachutists of the Wehrmacht and the Waffen-SS during the Third Reich in Germany.
The Driver Proficiency Badge
The Driver Proficiency Badge was a German military badge awarded to drivers of military transport vehicles during World War II.
The Destruction of Low-Flying Aircraft Badge
The Destruction of Low-Flying Aircraft Badge was a German war badge awarded to Waffen SS and Wehrmacht Heer soldiers during World War II.
The Honor Roll Clasp of the Army
The Honor Roll Clasp of the Army / Heer was a German decoration first issued in July 1941 after the German invasion of the Soviet Union.
The Naval War Badges
The Naval War Badges (Kriegsmarine) badges were awarded to sailors, officers, and personnel of the Kriegsmarine who demonstrated exceptional skill, bravery, and dedication in naval warfare. There were various types of Naval War Badges, each denoting specific roles and achievements within the navy, such as U-boat operations, surface combat, and mine warfare. These badges served as symbols of proficiency in maritime operations and were highly esteemed within the German naval hierarchy.
The U-boat War Badge (Nazi Germany)
The U-boat War Badge (or U-Boot-Kriegsabzeichen) was a German war badge that was awarded to U-boat (submarine) crew members in WW2.
The High Seas Fleet Badge
The High Seas Fleet Badge is a Military Service Badge (Naval War / Kriegsmarine) from the Third Reich, Germany, Second World War.
The Destroyer War Badge
The Destroyer War Badge is a Military Service Badge (Naval War / Kriegsmarine) from the Third Reich, Germany, Second World War.
The Minesweeper War Badge
The Minesweeper War Badge is a Military Service Badge (Naval War / Kriegsmarine) from the Third Reich, Germany, Second World War.
The Blockade Runner Badge
The Blockade Runner Badge is a Military Service Badge (Naval War / Kriegsmarine) from the Third Reich, Germany, Second World War.
The Fast Attack Craft War Badge
The Fast Attack Craft War Badge is a Military Service Badge (Army/Waffen-SS) from the Third Reich, Germany, Second World War.
The Auxiliary Cruiser Badge
The Auxiliary Cruiser Badge is a Military Service Badge (Naval War / Kriegsmarine) from the Third Reich, Germany, Second World War.
The Naval Artillery War Badge
The Naval Artillery War Badge was a World War II decoration awarded to the crews of land-based marine artillery and anti-aircraft units.
The U-Boat Front Clasp
The U-Boat Front Clasp was a World War II German Kriegsmarine military decoration awarded during the Third Reich.
The Naval Front Clasp
The Naval Front Clasp was a World War II German military decoration awarded to officers and men of the Kriegsmarine during the Third Reich.
The Honor Roll Clasp of the Kriegsmarine
The Honor Roll Clasp of the Kriegsmarine was a German decoration first issued in July 1941 after the German invasion of the Soviet Union.
The Luftwaffe War Badges
Awarded to members of the German Luftwaffe for their achievements and contributions to air warfare, the Luftwaffe War Badges symbolized excellence, courage, and skill in aerial combat and support roles. Pilots, aircrew, and ground personnel were eligible for various Luftwaffe War Badges, each representing different aspects of air operations, including fighter combat, bomber missions, reconnaissance, and anti-aircraft defense. These badges were worn with pride by recipients and were a testament to their dedication to the defense of the Third Reich and its military objective
The Pilot / Observer Badge of the Luftwaffe
The Pilot/Observer Badge (or Flugzeugführer- und Beobachterabzeichen in German) was a WW2 German decoration instituted by Hermann Göring.
The Luftwaffe Parachutist Badge
The Luftwaffe Parachutist Badge is a Third Reich / Nazi Germany Luftwaffe War Badge awarded during the Second World War.
The Anti-Aircraft Flak Battle Badge
The Anti-Aircraft Flak Battle Badge is a Third Reich / Nazi Germany Luftwaffe War Badge awarded during the Second World War.
The Ground Assault Badge of the Luftwaffe
The Ground Assault Badge of the Luftwaffe is a Third Reich / Nazi Germany Luftwaffe War Badge awarded during the Second World War.
The Tank Combat Badge of the Luftwaffe
The Tank Combat Badge of the Luftwaffe is a Third Reich / Nazi Germany Luftwaffe War Badge awarded during the Second World War.
The Air Crew Badge of the Luftwaffe
The Air Crew Badge of the Luftwaffe was a WW2 German award and one of the earliest flight related badges of the air program.
The Pilot Badge of the Luftwaffe
The Pilot Badge of the Luftwaffe was a WW2 German award instituted in 1935 by Reichsmarchall Hermann Göring.
The Retired Pilot Badge of the Luftwaffe
The Retired Pilot Badge of the Luftwaffe was a German award given to personnel honorably discharged from their flying duties.
The Observer Badge of the Luftwaffe
The Observer Badge of the Luftwaffe was a German award for qualifying service established in 1935 and instituted in 1936.
The Air Gunner and Flight Engineer Badge of the Luftwaffe
The Air Gunner and Flight Engineer Badge was a German award given to Luftwaffe flight engineers, air gunners, and aircrew meteorologists.
The Radio Operator Badge of the Luftwaffe
The Radio Operator Badge of the Luftwaffe was a German award given to radio and gunner qualified personnel with training or operations.
The Glider Badge of the Luftwaffe
The Glider Badge of the Luftwaffe was a German award instituted in 1940 and awarded to pilots who had done the glider training course.
The Sea Battle Badge of the Luftwaffe
The Sea Battle Badge was a German award instituted in 1944 and given to crews of Luftwaffe supply ships, air/sea rescue launches, and vessels.
The Front Flying Clasp of the Luftwaffe
The Front Flying Clasp of the Luftwaffe was a WW2 German military decoration awarded to Luftwaffe personnel for operational flights.
The Honor Roll Clasp of the Luftwaffe
The Honor Roll Clasp of the Luftwaffe was a German decoration first issued in July 1941 after the German invasion of the Soviet Union.
