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Tag: Nazi Germany

The NSDAP Golden Party Badge

The NSDAP Golden Party Badge was one of the most prestigious decorations awarded by the party during the Third Reich era in Germany.

The NSDAP Golden Party Badge, or Gold Party Badge, was one of the most prestigious decorations awarded by the National Socialist German Workers’ Party (NSDAP) during the Third Reich era in Germany. Instituted in 1933, it was primarily intended to honor loyal and long-standing members of the Nazi Party who had made significant contributions to the party’s cause.

The awarding of the Golden Party Badge was a highly prestigious honor, signifying the recipient’s status as a trusted and valued member of the Nazi Party elite. It was often presented in formal ceremonies or special events, further emphasizing its significance within the party hierarchy.

The criteria for receiving the Golden Party Badge were stringent, requiring a minimum of ten years of uninterrupted membership in the NSDAP, along with a record of exceptional service and dedication to the party’s goals. Additionally, candidates needed the personal approval of Adolf Hitler himself.

The NSDAP Golden Party Badge Design

The NSDAP gold badge was crafted in solid gold and features the Nazi Party eagle emblem surrounded by a wreath of oak leaves in the obverse.

The badge was available in two sizes: 30mm for uniform wear and 25mm for civilian attire. On the reverse of each badge is a unique membership number. The value of the badge increases as the serial number on the reverse decreases. Adolf Hitler wore the NSDAP badge number 7.

Two authorized manufacturers produced the badge: Deschler & Sohn and Joseph Fuess, both headquartered in Munich. Recipients wore the NSDAP badge on the left breast of their uniform, symbolizing their allegiance to the Nazi ideology and leadership.

The Lorient Shield (Projected)

The Lorient Shield (Lorientschild) was a projected WW2 Third Reich decoration planned for participants in the Siege of Lorient (1944–45).

The Lorient Shield (or Lorientschild in German) was a projected World War II German military decoration to be awarded to German forces that took part in the Siege of Lorient, 1944–45.

Although some Lirient Shields were awarded, they were never officially instituted. So, they are very hard to authenticate and there is a lot of discussion online about which ones might be real. 

The Lorient Shield Design

The original Lorient Shields were made crudely in a besieged town. They are believed to be made of stamped brass sheets and even copper, old fish cans, and the bodywork of cars abandoned in the siege. 

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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The Dunkirk Shield (Projected)

The Dunkirk Shield (Dünkirchenschild) was a projected WW2 Third Reich decoration planned for participants in the Siege of Dunkirk (1944–45).

The Dunkirk Shield (or Dünkirchenschild in German) was a projected World War II German military decoration to be awarded to German forces that took part in the Siege of Dunkirk (1944–45).

In a directive dated September 4, 1944, Adolf Hitler had Dunkirk declared a fortress (this included the port itself and the city of Dunkirk). As part of the defense of the Dunkirk Fortress, which began with the Allied invasion of Normandy, the idea soon arose under the leadership of Vice Admiral Friedrich Frisius to create a kind of memorial shield for the trapped 12,000 to 15,000 German defenders.

Dunkirk Fortress finally surrendered to French, British and Czech units on May 9, 1945. During the siege, Frisius had the so-called Dunkirk Shield made from makeshift metal supplies and distributed to the soldiers of the army, navy and probably also an unknown number of Wehrmacht followers in order to strengthen their sense of community. The “award” of the shield was confirmed by its entry in the pay book.

The Dunkirk Shield Design

The Dunkirk Shield was made from the remaining siege metal supplies (sheet iron and non-ferrous metal). Its width is approximately 34 mm, and its height is 41 mm. The shape corresponds to the shape of a shield, with the Dunkirk lighthouse depicted in the middle. 

The number 19 is stamped on the left, and the year 44 is stamped on the right (1944). You can read DUENKIRCHEN in capital letters about the lighthouse0. On the lower side of the shield, there is an anchor chain and relief from raised sea waves.

An original Dunkirk Shield auctioned by Ratisbon's.
An original Dunkirk Shield auctioned by Ratisbon's in 2017.

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.

See all campaign shields >

The Budapest Shield (Projected)

The Budapest Shield (Budapestschild) was a projected WW2 Third Reich decoration planned for participants in the Siege of Budapest.

The Budapest Shield (or Budapestschild in German) was a projected World War II German military decoration to be awarded to German forces that took part in the Siege of Budapest from December 1944 to February 1945.

The Budapest Shield was apparently approved by Adolf Hitler but abandoned with the loss of the city (as there was seemingly no hope of a reqconquest). 

The Balkans Shield Design

There are no descriptions of this proposed shield. All the ones you will see online are fantasy replicas made after WW2.

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.

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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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.

See all campaign shields >

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.

See all campaign shields >

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 >