History
The
Panzerkampfabzeichen (Tank-Combat-Badge) was designed by
Ernst Peekhaus of Berlin and established on December 20th, 1936 by the
army commander in chief. The
badge was authorized for wear by officers and enlisted men who were
attached to armored units from Jan 1st 1940 and served in one of the
following positions: Commander, Driver, Gunner, or Radioman. The
crewmembers had to serve in these positions for a minimum
of three tank engagements on three different days to qualify for the
award. The panzer division commander was the authorizing authority for
this award. The badge was constructed with great detail throughout and
was issued with an award document.
Initially,
only the silver badge was awarded, however six months later on June
1st 1940 the bronze version was authorized for qualifying members of
Panzer-Grenadier regiments, medical personnel who rode into combat on
an armored vehicle to attend to wounded soldiers, and personnel who
rode in armored cars. The award was worn on the left breast of the uniform. |