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In order to recognize the achievements of soldiers who participated in infantry attacks but were not part of infantry units, the General Assault Badge was introduced on January 1, 1940. Designed by Ernst Peekhaus of Berlin, and was instituted by order of Generaloberst von Brauchitsh.
The General Assault badge was presented to engineers (who it was originally designed for), as well as members of the artillery, anti-tank, and anti-aircraft units that served along with the infantry in the conduct of an assault. Also eligible were medical personnel who treated battlefield wounded. In addition, the badge was presented for the single-handed destruction of eight tanks or armored vehicles until the institution (in March of 1942) of The Special Badge for Single Handed Destruction of a Tank. The award criteria was as follows,
The recipient must not be eligible for the Infantry Assault Badge.
To have taken part in three or more infantry or armored assaults on three different days.
To have taken part in three or more infantry or armored indirect assaults on three different days.
To have been wounded while fulfilling the second or third requirement.
To have earned a decoration while fulfilling the second or third requirement.
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 Gold into the crevices followed by Rub n Buff Silver Plate to bring on a silver plated finish with yellow accents as seen in the photos of the badge.
The Infantry Assault Badge compares very well with the photos and the measurements present on the reference page.
My thanks go to Track Base for the sample.
References:
http://www.wehrmacht-awards.com/war_badges/heer/general_assault.htm
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