- Time Period: Nazi Germany (Interwars Period, World War II)
- Institution: 5 November 1936 (Luftwaffe), 1 September 1937 (Army)
- Country: Germany
The Parachutist Badge (Army Version) (Fallschirmschützen-Abzeichen des Heeres in German) was a prestigious honor bestowed upon qualified parachutists serving in the Wehrmacht and the Waffen-SS of Nazi Germany World War II.
Initially instituted by order of Hermann Göring on November 5, 1936, the badge was primarily awarded to Luftwaffe personnel upon completion of six jumps (The Parachutist Badge – Luftwafe Version). The army version was introduced on September 1, 1937.
Similar to the Luftwaffe, recipients were obligated to requalify for the badge annually. In 1936, the army initiated its own parachute company, later expanding it to a battalion in 1938.
Waffen-SS personnel serving in the 500, 501, or 502 SS-Parachute Battalions were awarded the Luftwaffe badge upon meeting jump and other test requirements. Following the transfer of army parachute units to the Luftwaffe in 1939, former army soldiers continued to wear the army version of the Parachutist badge.
The Parachutist Badge (Army Version) Design
Originally, the Luftwaffe version featured a depiction of a diving eagle clutching a swastika within its talons, encircled by a silver wreath. In this version, though, the swastika was positioned at the top of the wreath and topped by a smaller upright eagle.
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:
