German Medals from WW2 Nazi Germany
Third Reich and Second World War Badges, Medals & Awards
Nazi Germany or Third Reich is the common name for Germany between 1933 and 1945, when Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party (NSDAP) controlled the country through a dictatorship. The official name of the state was Deutsches Reich until 1943 and Großdeutsches Reich from 1943 to 1945. Third Reich means “Third Realm” or “Third Empire”, the first two being the Holy Roman Empire (800–1806) and the German Empire(1871–1918).
The Nazi regime dominated neighbours through military threats and increasingly aggressive territorial demands in the years leading up to war. The regime ended after the Allies defeated Germany in May 1945, ending World War II in Europe. The Third Reich also issued a range of medals and decorations to recognize various aspects of military and civilian service. You can explore all of them below.
Popular Third Reich Medals, Orders & Decorations
Explore the most renowned and esteemed medals, orders, and decorations bestowed by the Third Reich 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 Eastern Front Medal Winterschlacht im Osten
The Eastern Front Medal was a World War II German military decoration awarded to those who served during the winter campaign.
The Coburg Badge
The Coburg Badge (Das Coburger Abzeichen in German) was the first badge recognized as a national award of the Nazi Party or NSDAP.
The SS Long Service Award (12 Years of Service)
The SS Long Service Awards were given to SS members in grades of four, eight, twelve, and twenty-five years of service.
The Order of the German Eagle
The Order of the German Eagle, instituted by Hitler in 1937, was predominantly given to foreign diplomats during the German Nazi regime.
All The Third Reich/Nazi
Medals and Decorations
The military decorations of the Third Reich were bestowed by the Wehrmacht, the unified armed forces of Nazy Germany – which consisted of the Heer (army), the Kriegsmarine (navy) and the Luftwaffe (air force) – from 1935 to 1945. Military decorations included Senior military leadership decorations, Military valor decorations, Meritorious military decorations, Military service decorations, and Military service medals. There were also Wound badges, Arm Shields and Cuffbands, Military Service Badges, and Foreign Division Awards.
Third Reich Military Service Badges
Military Service Badges were given to members of the Army/Waffen-SS, Naval/Kriegsmarine, and Luftwaffe and worn on the lower part of the left breast pocket of the naval service tunic, underneath the 1st class Iron Cross if awarded, or equivalent grade.
You can see the entire list of Third Reich Military Service Badges And What They Mean here.
Third Reich Shields and Cuffbands
Campaign shields or Campaign Arm Shields (Ärmelschild in German) were badges of differing design awarded to members of the German Wehrmacht. They were given for participation in specific battles or campaigns during World War II. The shields were worn on the left upper arm of the uniform jacket, with the earlier above the later ones.
You can see the entire list of Third Reich Campaign Shields or Ärmelschilde here.
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More Medals from Germany
German Medals from the WW1 Period
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Further Reading About German Medals
Explore books that delve into the rich history and significance of German (and Third Reich / Nazi) military medals and decorations and discover stories of valor, sacrifice, and bravery that have shaped the legacy of these esteemed awards.
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Blitzed: Drugs in the Third Reich
$12.99 Get it from Amazon -
Aftermath: Life in the Fallout of the Third Reich, 1945-1955
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German Insignia of World War II
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D DAY Through German Eyes – The Hidden Story of June 6th 1944
$12.99 Get it from Amazon -
The German War: A Nation Under Arms, 1939-1945
$16.99 Get it from Amazon