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In order to recognize the achievements of infantry who took part combat operations, the Infantry Combat Badge, commonly referred to as the Infantry Assault Badge, was introduced on December 20, 1939. Designed by C. E. Junker of Berlin, and was instituted by order of Generaloberst von Brauchitsh.
On June 1st, 1940, a separate class of the badge, in Bronze, was added in order to recognize the soldiers of the motorized infantry regiments.
The award criteria was as follows,
To have taken part in three or more infantry assaults.
To have taken part in three or more infantry counter-attacks.
To have taken part in three or more armed reconnaissance operations.
To have engaged in hand to hand combat in an assault position.
To have participated on three separate days in the reconstitution of combat positions.
For the motorized infantry, the criteria was as follows,
To have taken part in three or more motorized infantry assaults.
To have taken part in three or more motorized infantry counter-attacks.
To have taken part in three or more motorized armed reconnaissance operations.
To have been engaged in hand to hand combat in motorized assault positions.
To have participated on three separate days, in the restitution of a motorized combat position.
The attacks had to take place on different days, in the event that they took place on one day only one "credit" was earned.
The above was taken from the reference linked below.
This is a one piece resin casting which shows excellent details. It arrived in a © Ziploc bag with a self adhesive label identifying the contents and vendor. I rubbed the backing on sandpaper cemented to a sheet of heavy glass to give it a rough surface and also thin the little bit of flash that was present.
After washing away the sanding dust and release agent, I spray painted the badge flat black and waited several hours. After that, I used Rub n Buff Silver Plate to bring on a silver plated finish.
The Infantry Assault Badge compares very well with the photos and measurements present on the reference page.
My thanks go to Track Base for the sample. A painted badge is available for $11.95 plus shipping and handling charges.
References:
http://www.wehrmacht-awards.com/war_badges/heer/infantry_assault.htm
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