Wound Badge

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Wound Badge (1939) in Black.jpg Wound Badge (1939) in Black

The Wound Badge (German: Verwundetenabzeichen ) was a military decoration of Nazi Germany, awarded to soldiers of the Wehrmacht, SS, and other military units for wounds sustained in combat. It was originally established during World War I on 3 March 1918 by Kaiser Wilhelm II and was later reintroduced on 1 September 1939 at the onset of World War II by Adolf Hitler.

History

The Wound Badge was first instituted during World War I to recognize the sacrifice of soldiers who were injured in battle. The original badge came in three classes: Black, Silver, and Gold, which denoted the severity and frequency of the wounds. The Black badge was awarded for one or two wounds, the Silver for three or four wounds, and the Gold for five or more wounds or for wounds resulting in total disability.

During World War II, the badge was reintroduced with the same three classes. The criteria for awarding the badge remained largely the same, with the addition of recognition for injuries sustained from aerial attacks and frostbite.

Design

The design of the Wound Badge featured a German helmet surmounting crossed swords, encircled by an oak leaf wreath. The Black badge was made of blackened brass or steel, the Silver badge was made of silvered brass or zinc, and the Gold badge was made of gilded brass or zinc.

Classes

• Black (3rd class): Awarded for one or two wounds.
• Silver (2nd class): Awarded for three or four wounds.
• Gold (1st class): Awarded for five or more wounds, or for wounds resulting in total disability.

Awarding Criteria

The Wound Badge was awarded to military personnel who were wounded in combat or as a result of enemy action. This included injuries from direct combat, aerial attacks, and frostbite. The badge could also be awarded posthumously to soldiers who died from their wounds.

Notable Recipients

• Erwin Rommel
• Heinz Guderian
• Albert Kesselring

See Also

• Iron Cross
• War Merit Cross
• Military awards and decorations of Nazi Germany