- Time Period: Nazi Germany (Interwars Period, World War II)
- Institution: 31 March 1942
- Country: Germany
The Ground Assault Badge of the Luftwaffe (Erdkampfabzeichen der Luftwaffein German) was a World War II German military decoration instituted on 31 March 1942 by commander-in-chief Hermann Göring and awarded for achievement in ground combat.
The criteria was the participation in three separate combat operations on separate days. Luftwaffe soldiers who had already been awarded medals or orders of the Heer such as General Assault Badge or the Infantry Assault Badge, were required to exchange their badges for the Ground Assault Badge of the Luftwaffe.
The badge was awarded in four classes based on the number of combat operations:
- 2nd grade (II. Stufe) for 25 eligible operations,
- 3rd grade (III. Stufe) for 50 eligible operations,
- 4th grade (IV. Stufe) for 75 eligible operations,
- 5th grade (V. Stufe) for 100 eligible operations.
The Ground Assault Badge of the Luftwaffe Design
Designed by Professor Sigmund von Weech, the badge consists of a Luftwaffe eagle, clawing a Swastika, flying above a storm cloud, from which a lightning bolt strikes rough ground.
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:
