BACKGROUND: The Infantry Assault Badge in silver was introduced on December 20^TH 1939 by Generaloberst Walther von Brauchitsch, for award to all ranks of non-motorized, Infantry and Mountain Infantry units who participated in three different assaults on three different days. The institution order indicated the criteria for award of the badge was to be effective as of January 1^ST 1940. Of Note: Bestowal of the Infantry Assault badge in silver was not extended to motorized infantry personnel so on June 1^ST 1940 von Brauchitsch introduced the Infantry Assault Badge in bronze for award to all ranks of Motorized Infantry units with the same criteria for award as the silver badge.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Die struck, solid backed, alloy construction badge with a silver washed finish features an embossed, vertically oval, oak-leaf wreath with a Wehrmacht style eagle with down-swept wings, clutching a canted swastika in its talons, superimposed to the top center, encompassing a cut-out, bolt action rifle with a fixed bayonet and a sling. The badge only retains about 25% of its age dulled, silver wash and has mostly reverted to the flat matte grey of the base alloy. The solid reverse has a crimped, soldered hinge and a thin, round, vertical, pin intact although the catch has broken off. The badge has no visible manufacturer’s markings.

GRADE ***                             PRICE $132.00