German, WW2, General Assault Badge, Solid Back, Unmarked

*German, WW2,  General Assault Badge, Solid Back, Unmarked*

This is a very nice condition Bronze Grade General Assault Badge with a solid back and functional pin.

General von Brauchitsch instituted the General Assault Badge on January 1, 1940. Designed by Ernst Peekhaus of Berlin, the badge was awarded to German soldiers who participated in infantry attacks but were not part of infantry units, thus not qualifying for the Infantry Assault Badge.

The badge features an oval disc with raised edges and a finely pebbled background, adorned with a wreath of oak leaves starting at two acorns at the base. A protruding stick grenade and bayonet separate the first two wreaths, with acorns filling the remaining separations. At the center is a Wehrmacht eagle clutching a swastika, surmounting a crossed bayonet and stick grenade. The reverse can be either solid or hollow, with a pin and catch for attachment to the uniform.

Originally designed for engineers, the General Assault Badge was also awarded to artillery, anti-tank, and anti-aircraft units supporting infantry assaults, as well as to medical personnel treating battlefield wounded. It was given for the single-handed destruction of eight tanks or armored vehicles until the Special Badge for Single-Handed Destruction of a Tank was introduced in March 1942.

Specific criteria included:

• The recipient must not be eligible for the Infantry Assault Badge.

• Participation in three infantry or armored assaults on three different days.

• Participation in three infantry or armored indirect assaults on three different days.

• Being wounded while fulfilling the second or third requirement.

• Earning a decoration while fulfilling the second or third requirement.

From 22 June 1943, the medal was adapted with a small plate at the base with either 25, 50, 75 or 100 to recognize those soldiers that had taken part in numerous attacks. These were known as grades II through IV, accordingly. On the Class IV badge, the oak leaves which run around the circumference on each side of the medal, along with the bayonet and hand grenade were larger in size. Further the wreath was gold in color.

*Condition*
Excellent used condition. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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