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The Balkans Shield (Projected)

The Balkans Shield (Balkanschild) was a projected WW2 Third Reich decoration planned for participants in battes in the Balkans.

The Balkans Shield (or Balkanschild in German) was a projected World War II German military decoration to be awarded to German forces that took part in the battles of the Balkans, from 1944 to 1945.

In the book by Dr. Klietmann German Awards, the shield is described on page 156/57 as follows:
 
“Such a shield was neither donated nor awarded. However, the creation of such an award was apparently thought of because the Reich stage designer Benno v. Arent completed one on III.7.1945 Drawing of a draft of the Balkan Shield. It seems as if this was requested by the Führer’s headquarters, but the military events that followed in quick succession prevented further decisions regarding this foundation”.

The Balkans Shield Design

The book “Awards of the German Reich 1936-1945” mentiones the shield and includes the drawing by the Reich stage designer Benno v. Arent (signed March 7, 1945).

Dr. Klietmann describes 2 template patterns:

“One pattern exists in olive-brown tinted metal, the other is silver-plated…” 

A possible Balkan Shield prototype.
A possible Balkan Shield prototype. Ex- Klietmann/Blass collections. The image shows the original Benno von Arent sketch and the original matrix. Image courtesy of Robin Lumsden and the War Relics Forum.

More Nazi Germany Shields (Ärmelschilde)

These campaign shields were awarded to members of the Wehrmacht (the unified armed forces of Nazi Germany from 1935 to 1945). They were given for participation in specific battles or campaigns and worn on the left upper arm of the uniform jacket.

The Crimea Shield - German WW2 Medals, Badges and Awards

The Crimea Shield

The Crimea Shield (Krimschild) is a WW2 German military decoration awarded to military personnel who fought against Soviet Red Army forces.

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The Narvik Shield - German WW2 Medals, Badges and Awards

The Narvik Shield

The Narvik Shield (Narvikschild) is a WW2 German military decoration awarded to German forces that took part in the battles of Narvik.

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The Stalingrad Shield (Projected)

The Stalingrad Shield (Stalingradschild) was a projected WW2 Third Reich decoration planned for participants in the Battle of Stalingrad.

The Stalingrad Shield (or Stalingradschild in German) was a projected World War II German military decoration to be awarded to German forces that took part in the Battle of Stalingrad from 1942 to 1943.

In October 1942, the Army High Command (OKH) was convinced that Stalingrad would be captured quickly. At the suggestion of Adolf Hitler, a Stalingrad shield should also be created as a commemorative badge, similar to the Crimea shield and the Narvik shield. 

An order was issued on October 26, 1942 to the 6th Army fighting in Stalingrad. However, Friedrich Paulus, Commander-in-Chief of the 6th Army, replied to the OKH:

“A sad chapter. We’ve barely taken half of the city and we’re killing ourselves with the rest. Given the current fighting strength of the troops, it is impossible to predict whether we will achieve the goal we have set. Instead, we are presented with trivial, hasty stories like a Stalingrad sign.”

After the encirclement of Stalingrad and the subsequent surrender of the 6th Army, the foundation of the shield was no longer pursued.

The Stalingrad Shield Design

There were a few different design drawings made for the shield. In the exposé for a planned but unrealized Stalingrad book from March 1943, two of these shield designs intended “for the Führer” are described:

“The shield, surrounded by an eagle, shows either the Stalingrad silo with the storm flag of the 71st Division in the middle of the rubble field or the figure of an upright soldier who unites the spears aimed at his chest with his arms. The figure is placed in the ruins in an oversized size. The word “Stalingrad” is written across the sign.”

The decoration received design proposals but it was never instituted, manufactured, or awarded. Today, you can find post-war fantasy reproductions, sometimes inspired by the design proposals. 

The Stalingrad Shield was neither manufactured nor awarded. There were also no test mintings. 

More Nazi Germany Shields (Ärmelschilde)

These campaign shields were awarded to members of the Wehrmacht (the unified armed forces of Nazi Germany from 1935 to 1945). They were given for participation in specific battles or campaigns and worn on the left upper arm of the uniform jacket.

The Narvik Shield - German WW2 Medals, Badges and Awards

The Narvik Shield

The Narvik Shield (Narvikschild) is a WW2 German military decoration awarded to German forces that took part in the battles of Narvik.

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All The Third Reich Campaign Shields or Ärmelschilde

Campaign shields were military decorations worn on the sleeves of uniforms to denote participation in specific military campaigns or battles.

The Third Reich Campaign Shields were a series of military decorations worn on the sleeves of uniforms during the Second World War. These badges denoted participation in specific military campaigns or battles and featured symbols, dates, or names associated with them. Let’s explore what they looked like and the battles they represented. 

All The Campaign Shields
From The Third Reich

Campaign shields were awarded to members of the Wehrmacht (the unified armed forces of Nazi Germany from 1935 to 1945). These shields are usually made of fabric or embroidered onto fabric patches. In some cases, they may be made of metal or other materials for more formal or ceremonial purposes. 

Ärmelschilde Design and Symbolism

Campaign shields featured symbols, names, or dates associated with the campaign or battle they represented. For example, the Crimea Shield (which was awarded for participation in the Crimean campaign during WW2) features the word “Krim” (German for Crimea) prominently displayed on the obverse, as well as a map of the region and the dates of the campaign. It also features the Wehrmacht eagle associated with the military forces of the country.

The Nazi campaign shields served as a form of recognition and honor for individuals who had participated in specific military campaigns or battles. They could also serve as a means of unit cohesion and identity, with members of the same unit often wearing identical or similar shields to signify their shared experiences and achievements.

The Narvik Shield - German WW2 Medals, Badges and Awards

The Narvik Shield

The Narvik Shield (Narvikschild) is a WW2 German military decoration awarded to German forces that took part in the battles of Narvik.

Read More »
The Crimea Shield - German WW2 Medals, Badges and Awards

The Crimea Shield

The Crimea Shield (Krimschild) is a WW2 German military decoration awarded to military personnel who fought against Soviet Red Army forces.

Read More »
German WW2 Nazi Awards: The Warsaw Shield

The Warsaw Shield

The Warsaw Shield (Ärmelschild Warschau) is a German military decoration for those who took part in the suppression of the Warsaw uprising.

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Projected Campaign Shields
(Unofficial or Discontinued)

During the Third Reich, there wee other campaign shields that were projected but never instituted, manufactured, or awarded. These include the Stalingrad Shield (planned for a victorious Stalingrad battle) and the Balkans Shield (for battles in the Balkans in 1944-1945). 

Ärmelschilde Number of Awards

Campaign shields were awarded to individuals who participated in specific military campaigns or battles. In some cases, individuals may have received multiple Ärmelschilde for participation in different ones over the course of their military service.

The Narvik Shield - German WW2 Medals, Badges and Awards

Narvik Shield

  • Number of Awards: 8,527
  • Service branches: Army, Air Force, Navy
The Cholm Shield - German WW2 Medals, Badges and Awards

Cholm Shield

  • Number of Awards: 5,500
  • Service branches: Army, Air Force
The Crimea Shield - German WW2 Medals, Badges and Awards

Crimea Shield

  • Number of Awards: 250,000
  • Service branches: Army, Air Force, Navy
The Demyansk Shield - German WW2 Medals, Badges and Awards

Demyansk Shield

  • Number of Awards: 96,000
  • Service branches: Army, Air Force, Waffen-SS
The Kuban Shield - German WW2 Medals, Badges and Awards

Kuban Shield

  • Number of Awards: 145,000
  • Service branches: Army, Air Force, Navy
German WW2 Nazi Awards: The Warsaw Shield

Warsaw Shield

  • Number of Awards: None
  • Service branches: Army, Air Force, Waffen-SS
The Lappland Shield - German WW2 Medals, Badges and Awards

Lappland Shield

  • Number of Awards: Unknown
  • Service branches: Army, Air Force, Navy
The Stalingrad Shield (Projected) - German Medals & Awards WW2

Stalingrad Shield (Projected)

  • Number of Awards: None
  • Service branches: Army, Air Force
The Balkans Shield (Projected) - German Medals & Awards WW2

Balkans Shield (Projected)

  • Number of Awards: None
  • Service branches: Army, Air Force, Navy, Waffen-SS
The Budapest Shield (Projected) - German Medals & Awards WW2

Budapest Shield

  • Number of Awards: Unknown
  • Service branches: Army, Air Force, Navy
The Dunkirk Shield (Projected) - German Medals & Awards WW2

Dunkirk Shield (Unofficial and locally produced)

  • Number of Awards: Ca. 12,000 to 15,000
  • Service branches: Army, Air Force, Navy
The Lorient Shield (Projected) - German Medals & Awards WW2

Lorient Shield (Unofficial and locally produced)

  • Number of Awards: Ca. 10,000 to 12,000
  • Service branches: Army, Air Force, Navy

Ärmelschilde Wearing and Display

Campaign shields are worn on the uniform sleeve, typically on the upper arm or shoulder area. They are usually sewn onto the uniform, although some modern versions may be attached using Velcro or other fasteners for easy removal and interchangeability.

The Campaign Shields After the War

Following an initial prohibition, the Federal Republic of Germany reinstated the wearing of numerous World War II military decorations in 1957. Among these were all official campaign shields, except for the Warsaw and Lapland Shields. These shields underwent redesign to eliminate the swastika emblem.

Members of the Bundeswehr were permitted to display the shields on their ribbon bar, symbolized by a miniature replica of the award on a field grey ribbon.

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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 Honor Roll Clasp (or Ehrenblattspange in German) was a World War II German military decoration issued in July 1941 after the German invasion of the Soviet Union.

The Honor Roll existed in three different versions: One for the Army (Heer), one for the Air Force (Luftwaffe), and one for the Navy (Kriegsmarine) – all of which also have de-nazified versions.

To be eligible for the clasp, across all three services, a recipient must have:

  • Previously received the Iron Cross in both the first and second classes;
  • Demonstrated further distinction in combat subsequent to being awarded the Iron Cross in both classes; and
  • Been listed in the Honor Roll of the German Army.

The Honor Roll of the German Army (or Ehrenblatt des Deutschen Heeres) was initially released in July 1941 and documented the names of soldiers who had displayed extraordinary valor in combat. It was originally published in the Army Ordinance Gazette (Heeres-Verordnungsblatt).

The Honor Roll Clasp of the Army Design

The clasp was crafted from gilt metal and features a wreath measuring 24.5 mm in diameter, composed of six clusters of oak leaves on either side. At its widest point, the wreath measures 5 mm in width, narrowing to a point at the apex where two oak leaves met tip-to-tip. The badge’s height from base to tip is 26 mm. The reverse of all clasps has four pins for attachment.

The Honor Roll Clasp of the Army / Heer shows a large swastika superimposed (soldered) on the wreath.

More Army/Waffen-SS War Badges

The Army/Waffen-SS war badges were military decorations awarded by Nazi Germany to members of the Army (Heer) and the Waffen-SS. Explore the complete collection below:

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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 Honor Roll Clasp (or Ehrenblattspange in German) was a World War II German military decoration issued in July 1941 after the German invasion of the Soviet Union.

The Honor Roll existed in three different versions: One for the Army (Heer), one for the Air Force (Luftwaffe), and one for the Navy (Kriegsmarine) – all of which also have de-nazified versions.

To be eligible for the clasp, across all three services, a recipient must have:

  • Previously received the Iron Cross in both the first and second classes;
  • Demonstrated further distinction in combat subsequent to being awarded the Iron Cross in both classes; and
  • Been listed in the Honor Roll of the German Army.

The Honor Roll Clasp of the Kriegsmarine (Ehrentafel der Deutschen Kriegsmarine) was established in February 1943 and received a wearable decoration (seen in the picture) in May 1944.

The Honor Roll Clasp of the Kriegsmarine Design

The clasp was crafted from gilt metal and features a wreath measuring 24.5 mm in diameter, composed of six clusters of oak leaves on either side. At its widest point, the wreath measures 5 mm in width, narrowing to a point at the apex where two oak leaves met tip-to-tip. The badge’s height from base to tip is 26 mm. The reverse of all clasps has four pins for attachment.

The Honor Roll Clasp of the Kriegsmarine shows a swastika superimposed on an anchor.

More 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. Explore the complete collection below:

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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.

The Honor Roll Clasp (or Ehrenblattspange in German) was a World War II German military decoration issued in July 1941 after the German invasion of the Soviet Union.

The Honor Roll existed in three different versions: One for the Army (Heer), one for the Air Force (Luftwaffe), and one for the Navy (Kriegsmarine) – all of which also have de-nazified versions.

To be eligible for the clasp, across all three services, a recipient must have:

  • Previously received the Iron Cross in both the first and second classes;
  • Demonstrated further distinction in combat subsequent to being awarded the Iron Cross in both classes; and
  • Been listed in the Honor Roll of the German Army.

The Honor Roll Clasp of the Luftwaffe (Ehrenblatt der Deutschen Luftwaffe) was established on July 5, 1944, concurrently with the introduction of the decoration. Air Force personnel who had previously been awarded The Luftwaffe Honour Goblet or the Luftwaffe Honour Plate were automatically eligible for the Air Force Honour Roll Clasp. 

The Honor Roll Clasp of the Luftwaffe Design

The clasp was crafted from gilt metal and features a wreath measuring 24.5 mm in diameter, composed of six clusters of oak leaves on either side. At its widest point, the wreath measures 5 mm in width, narrowing to a point at the apex where two oak leaves met tip-to-tip. The badge’s height from base to tip is 26 mm. The reverse of all clasps has four pins for attachment.

The Honor Roll Clasp of the Luftwaffe shows the Luftwaffe eagle within the circular gilt metal oak wreath.

More 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. Explore the complete collection below:

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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 Front Flying Clasp of the Luftwaffe (or Frontflugspange in German) was a World War II German military decoration conferred upon aircrew and select Luftwaffe personnel to acknowledge the quantity of operational flights undertaken.

Instituted by Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring on January 30, 1941, it came in Bronze, Silver, and Gold grades, with the possibility of an upgrade to include diamonds. Pennants appended to the clasp indicated the number of missions completed in specific aircraft types.

Front Flying Clasps were awarded for missions carried out in various Luftwaffe aircraft categories, including day fighters, night fighters, long-range night fighters, heavy fighters, air-to-ground support fighters, bombers, reconnaissance, transport, and gliders.

The introduction dates for the different clasps were as follows:

  • January 30, 1941, for the Front Flying Clasp
  • June 26, 1942, for the Pennant to the Gold Front Flying Clasp
  • April 29, 1944, for the Pennant indicating the number of missions completed

And the criteria for qualification was:

  • Bronze – 20 flown missions
  • Silver – 60 flown missions
  • Gold – 110 flown missions

The Front Flying Clasp of the Luftwaffe Design

Each badge features a central device, typically blackened, encircled by a wreath of laurel leaves situated between two stylized wings composed of oak leaves, with a swastika positioned at the base of the wreath.

The clasps themselves measure approximately 7.5 cm (3 in) by 2.5 cm (1 in). The design of the central device varies based on the type of aircraft flown. Additionally, the clasp pennant was introduced to provide supplementary recognition for an increased number of operational missions or flights, a distinction that expanded as the war progressed.

In accordance with the post-war German Denazification initiative, these clasps were made available for wear in 1957, albeit with their Swastika emblems removed.

More 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. Explore the complete collection below:

See all war badges >

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 Naval Front Clasp (or Marine-Frontspange in German) was a German military decoration awarded during World War II.

Established in 1944, the recipients were officers and enlisted personnel of the Kriegsmarine for their prolonged and frontline service across all naval units, except for the submarine service, which had its separate award.

This bronze clasp recognized service or acts of valor that exceeded the requirements of the basic war badge. Instituted on November 19, 1944, by Grand Admiral Karl Dönitz.

The Naval Front Clasp Design

Each wing consisted of six staggered oak leaves, totaling twelve. At the bottom of the central wreath, an anchor adorned the design.

More 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. Explore the complete collection below:

See all war badges >

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 U-boat Front Clasp (or U-Boot-Frontspange in German) was a German military decoration awarded for continuous service and valor during World War II.

Established on May 15, 1944, the award aimed to align the U-boat force with other branches of the German armed forces, each possessing comparable accolades to honor acts of valor. Merits for receiving the award were not explicitly outlined; rather, decorations were conferred based on recommendations from U-boat commanders, subject to approval by Karl Dönitz.

Often, awards were granted in recognition of the number of completed patrols or displays of bravery in combat. The clasp was worn on the upper left breast.

The award was conferred in two tiers, distinguished by their material.

  • Bronze: This represented the lower grade and was granted based on criteria such as the number of war patrols undertaken, the level of risk inherent in the missions, and individual acts of bravery.
  • Silver: Introduced on November 24, 1944, this class aimed to extend recognition to bronze recipients who continued to demonstrate merit, faced heightened risks, and displayed acts of valor.

The U-Boat Front Clasp Design

Wilhelm Ernst Peekhaus from Berlin presented the design for the badge, featuring a central laurel wreath adorned with a stylized submarine and wings made of oak leaves.

Each wing consisted of six staggered oak leaves, totaling twelve. At the bottom of the central wreath, two crossed swords adorned the design, while the submarine in the middle echoed the U-Boat War Badge’s design. Integrated into the wreath was an eagle with downturned wings grasping a swastika.

Following the conclusion of the war, German sailors could only wear the medal if it did not bear National Socialist symbols, in accordance with the German Ordensgesetz. An alternative design featuring a complete laurel wreath, devoid of the eagle and swastika, with a submarine emblem centered within, was created for this purpose.

More 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. Explore the complete collection below:

See all war badges >

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 Naval Artillery War Badge (or Kriegsabzeichen für die Marineartillerie in German) was a military decoration bestowed upon the personnel serving in land-based marine artillery and anti-aircraft units of the Kriegsmarine during World War II.

Instituted on June 24, 1941, by Grand Admiral Erich Raeder, this badge was presented to individuals and crew members of coastal defense units as well as anti-aircraft units in recognition of their valorous actions. Additionally, it was awarded posthumously to those who lost their lives in action while serving in this unit.

The badge was granted in a singular degree. To earn the award, a crew needed to accumulate eight points, which could be obtained as follows:

  • Two points for independently downing an aircraft.
  • One point for jointly downing an aircraft with the assistance of another crew.
  • Half a point for non-gun crew members who contributed to the downing of aircraft by operating searchlights, fire control systems, sound locators, or serving as radio operators.

The Naval Artillery War Badge Design

The medal, designed by Otto Placzek of Berlin, comprises an outer laurel wreath adorned with oak leaves, with the German Eagle positioned at the apex, its wings gracefully downturned as it clutches a golden swastika. In the center, a coastal artillery gun is depicted against a backdrop of the sea, rendered in grey.

Early versions of the medal were crafted from bronze, later transitioning to nickel. However, towards the end of the war, inferior quality versions were fashioned from materials such as “pot or monkey metal”. This medal was traditionally worn on the lower section of the left breast pocket of the naval service tunic.

More 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. Explore the complete collection below:

See all war badges >