German WWII General Assault Badge in Silver-This is a solid strike example made of zinc. Most of the original silver finish has is missing, but this badge still has great details and the zinc has toned to a nice dark gray color. These general assault badges are getting much harder to find, especially in this condition. This one does have a broken catch, but the pin and hinge is still in place. This would make a great display piece. It is quite good looking.
History: The General Assault Badge was introduced on June 1st, 1940, by Generaloberst Walther von Brauchitsch, for award to support personnel who were ineligible for the Infantry or Panzer Assault badges. Criteria for award of the badge was basically the same as the criteria for award of the Infantry and Panzer Assault badges with the main qualification being participation in three separate assaults in a supporting role. On its introduction the badge was only intended for award to combat engineers and was designated, Pionier-Sturmabzeichen, (Engineer’s Assault Badge). Shortly afterwards award of the badge was extended to other support personnel including artillery and assault gun personnel, anti-tank and anti-aircraft personnel and medical personnel. Of Note: Before the introduction of the Tank Destruction Strip in March 1942, personnel who had single handedly destroyed an enemy tank with Infantry weapons were awarded the General Assault Badge.