Original Items: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of a German WWII Infantry Assault Badge, complete with its original named and dated Besitzzeugnis "possession/award" certificate!

The award document indicates that it was awarded to Hauptfeldwebel Heinz Throne on 12. April 1945 in Stettin, today Szczecin in Poland. Hauptfeldwebel or "Head Sergeant" was an senior NCO of at least Feldwebel (Technical Sergeant) rank appointed to do administrative duties such as mustering the company. They are listed as being part of Panzer-jäger Abt. d. LW-Feldkorps, an abbreviation for Panzer-jäger Abteilung der Luftwaffe-Feldkorps, or the "Tank Hunter" Detachment of the Luftwaffe Field Divisions. These were the ground forces of the Luftwaffe, and indicates that Throne was involved in anti-tank operations, most likely involving mobile anti-tank guns. We have not been able to locate service information on Heinz Throne or this specific unit, and leave it as a great research project.

The document has all the correct stamps and markings, and measures about 7 7/8" x 5 3/4", (about 20cm x 14.7cm), printed on light-weight paper with black print and typed in particulars. The document is in very good condition, showing some fading to tan due to age, and it has been folded in the past. There is also a tape repaired tear in the lower right corner.

The Infantry Assault Badge is an unmarked "hollow back" type and in lovely patinated display condition. It looks to be made from stamped zinc or a similar alloy, and was originally silver washed with powdered aluminum. This has mostly worn off on the front, now retained only in the recessed areas, while the rear still retains almost all of it. The pinback attachment on the back of the badge is fully functional.

These are truly wonderful items that would display well together. Ready to be framed and researched!

The Infantry Assault Badge (German: Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen) was a German war badge awarded to Waffen-SS and Wehrmacht Heer soldiers during the Second World War. This decoration was instituted on 20 December 1939 by the Commander-in-Chief of the German Army, Generalfeldmarschall Walther von Brauchitsch. It could be awarded to members of non-motorized Infantry units and units of the Gebirgsjäger that had participated in infantry assaults, with light infantry weapons, on at least three separate days of battle in the front line on or after 1 January 1940. When a counter offensive led to fighting, it could also apply. Award of the Infantry Assault Badge was authorized at regimental command level.