WWII Badges
WWII Military Combat Badges
World War II military award badges commemorate the bravery along with the sacrifice and military service of millions of soldiers from worldwide territories. Every major combatant in World War II created its own unique award system to honor soldiers who displayed bravery in combat as well as those who maintained long-term service or accomplished outstanding achievements. Collectors and historians value these badges because of their historical importance along with their artistic value.
German Third Reich Award Badges
The German Wehrmacht together with the SS created multiple badges which honored bravery actions and military service as well as specific campaign achievements. Notable examples include:
The Iron Cross (Eisernes Kreuz) existed in various categories to honor soldiers who showed bravery in combat.
Soldiers received the Wound Badge in black, silver, or gold based on their injury severity and number of wounds.
Soldiers who joined direct combat received the Infantry Assault Badge and Panzer Assault Badge and General Assault Badge.
The Close Combat Clasp (Nahkampfspange) honored soldiers who participated in intense hand-to-hand combat situations.
American WWII Military Badges
The United States presented military personnel with both medal and metal combat badge recognition for their accomplishments in combat and meritorious actions. Key examples include:
Soldiers who experienced ground combat became eligible to receive the Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB).
Soldiers received the Bronze Star and Silver Star awards for performing heroic actions or meritorious work in combat areas.
Soldiers who demonstrated exceptional bravery in combat received the Distinguished Service Cross as their second-highest military decoration.
Soviet Union Award Badges
The Soviet Union gave soldiers and partisans bold and symbolic designs through their award badges.
The Order of the Patriotic War consisted of a red star with hammer and sickle design which honored leadership and bravery.
The Medal for Courage was awarded to soldiers who showed personal bravery during battles.
Guards Badge was a distinction badge for elite Guards units who demonstrated exceptional performance on the battlefield.
British Military Decorations
British military forces together with their Commonwealth allies used badges and medals to recognize soldiers' bravery and their time in service.
The Military Medal (MM) rewarded bravery among enlisted troops during combat situations.
The Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) represented the second-highest honor for soldiers outside of the Victoria Cross rank.
Soldiers received the Africa Star together with the France and Germany Star as special campaign awards for their service in particular theaters.
Japanese Imperial Badges
The Japanese military used multiple badges and orders which displayed Imperial symbols in their design.
The Order of the Golden Kite (Kinshi Kunsh?) honored military personnel who demonstrated leadership alongside bravery during combat operations.
Wound Badge – Similar to German badges, awarded for combat injuries.
The Medals of Honor comprised multiple ribbons and badges which military personnel received for their wartime achievements and general military merit.
The WWII military badges which collectors across the world value today commemorate both the worldwide extent and the human losses of the war. Every badge embodies three narratives about bravery in combat alongside national identity and the everlasting memory of military personnel who fought.
