Awards

This page details the German awards, American equivalents and how awards are earned in our unit.

Special thanks to the Cyrus A. Lee's Soldat FHQ and the LSSAH.  The 352.Infanterie Division’s Awards and Decorations Criteria are primarily based off of their models.  Also, special thanks go to WW2 Awards, WehrmachtLexikon.de, and Lexikon Der Wehrmacht for information and data about each award.

Unlike many of the other major powers during World War II, the German soldier commonly wore their awards and decorations on their uniform into battle.  In our attempt to keep as true to Wehrmacht rules and regulations as possible, the 352.ID authorizes some awards and decorations to be obtainable by our reenactors.  Awards and decorations for valor, in most cases, are not obtainable.  In reenacting, we are not truly putting our lives at risk; therefore, “earning” such awards would not be respectful to those who really did so during the War.  When an individual earns an award, they should know its history and how it was really earned.  This not only honors the German soldiers’ memory, but it allows that individual to teach others what the award is and what it means to earn it.

Individual awards and decorations in the 352.ID are earned based on an ACT/ECP (Actual Combat Time/Earned Credit Points) system.  This system authorizes awards and rank advancement for active participation and attendance at authorized events and/or functions.   

Awards can also be granted at the discretion of the 352.ID Commander.  This document can also be edited and updated in the future as to meet the needs of the 352.ID.

The following criteria clarify what’s required to earn awards and decorations.

A.    Events/Battles – Any 352.ID approved tactical or non-tactical event for the purposes of furthering the objectives of the 352.ID.  Authorized events are cleared by the 352.ID Commander. 

B.   Actual Combat Time (ACT) – Time actually spent in uniform while conducting tactical maneuvers against an armed opponent.  Time spent in the conduct of guard or sentry duty at authorized functions also counts as ACT credit.  One hour is equal to one ACT.  Cumulative ACTs may also be applied towards ECPs for purposes of event credit.  Personnel participating in authentic camping will be authorized for an additional 5 ACTs per night in the field at authorized events.  ACTs cannot be earned in training events.

C.      Earned Credit Points (ECP) – Earned Credit Points are a means of keeping track of you activity in the 352.ID.   ECPs are earned by accomplishing the following:

                                 i.            1 ECP awarded for each 25 miles driven to an authorized event up to 500 miles.

a.        For travel over 500 miles, 2 ECPs will be awarded for each 25 miles driven over 500 miles.

                                ii.            1 ECP awarded for each day actually participating in an approved event.

                                iii.            1 ECP awarded for each 4 ACTs at one approved event.

                                iv.            1 ECP awarded for staying and helping takedown equipment and loading up after an event.

                                 v.            Extra ECPs will be awarded at the discretion of the 352.ID Commander 

                         vi.         ½ ECP awarded for each hour spent at a training event.  The exception to this is if over 500 miles are traveled to attend the event, then the ECPs awarded for the travel over 500 miles will be counted the same.  Only the time spent at a training event will earn ½ ECP per hour. 

D.   Leadership – Recognized demonstration of performance exceptionally above and beyond the call of duty of the Soldat’s peers, that has directly resulted in significantly improving the tactical impression or proficiency or administrative performance of his section or unit will be noted in the Soldat’s dossier, as kept by the 352.ID Commander.  Such leadership shows initiative and thinking, and will be taken into consideration for promotion.  Demonstration of quality supervision and control of subordinates are the two primary areas that will be evaluated for the award of any leadership decorations. 

E.     Service – Service or contributions which, over a period of time, clearly distinguish one Soldat over his peers.  Service can be in the form of volunteer time, providing/publishing information, or providing the unit with equipment/weapons/uniforms, etc...

F.    Achievement – Acts or series of acts well above the expected performance of duty or a contribution so unique or exceptional that it has an impact which significantly improves reenacting or the unit as a whole.  This can include improving morale, enhancing authenticity, or improving performance or proficiency (not related to leadership).

G.      Military Service – Recognition of unit members who have honorably served or are presently serving in the US Armed Forces in any component – Active, Reserve or National Guard.

The topics covered on this page are as follows: 

MEDALS, BADGES, RIBBON BARS AND AWARD CRITERIA

The following are definitions related to the awards and decorations of the Wehrmacht:

Orders – High awards, to include the Iron Cross, War Merit Cross, German Cross, German Eagle and the Gerat German Empire.

Medals for Merit and Bravery – Other awards, not considered Orders, to include the Close Combat Clasp, Honor Badge and Spanish Cross.

Ribbons – A piece of material that comes with a medal.  Some ribbons can be sewn onto the tunic and worn through the second button hole (Iron Cross 2nd Class, War Merit Cross, Ost Front Medal).   The list of ribbons can be seen in the figure below.

Ribbon Bar – A ribbon bar can be worn on dress and walking out uniforms.  It can be worn to represent any medals which are normally of a Second Class nature and not authorized for wear in the second button hole of the tunic.  The Iron Cross 2nd Class, Eastern Front Medal and War Service Cross 2nd Class with Swords are so authorized.   An example of a (highly decorated soldier's) ribbon bar is shown below.

Medal Bar – A medal bar, also known as a parade bar, is worn on dress uniforms.  It is a bar that displays the full ribbon and medal of the bearer.  All awards can be worn simultaneously on the medal bar.  An example of a medal bar is shown below.

Medal – A commemorative medallion normally suspended from a ribbon and worn on more formal occasions.  These are normally not for routine wear.

Badge – Normally a badge is an award of Second or First Class nature or of a special qualification, such as the Driver's Badge or the Infantry Assault Badge.

Without Swords – Achievement or service of an administrative nature, such as a non-combatant military service or in the case of a unit award such as publishing a unit newsletter.

With Swords – Achievement or service of a combat related nature.  This is actual military service or an act such as supplying weapons and/or supplies to the unit for use in tactical battles and public events.


The following figure, as taken from the Handbook on German Military Forces (United States War Department Technical Manual 15 March 1945 TM-E 30-451) lists German ribbons for valor and service, in order of precedence: 

AWARDS AUTHORIZED FOR INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPATION 

Rank of Grenadier

The rank of Grenadier will be awarded once the Rekrut proves all basic required uniform and field gear have been obtained.

The rank of Grenadier is a requirement for all other awards and decorations.

War Merit Cross with Swords

Kriegsverdienst Kreuz mit Schwertern

The rank of Grenadier will be awarded once the Rekrut proves all basic required uniform and field gear have been obtained.

The rank of Grenadier is a requirement for all other awards and decorations.

Iron Cross

Eisernes Kreuz

The Iron Cross 2nd and 1st Class was instituted as an Order on 1 Sep 1939. 

The Iron Cross 2nd Class is abbreviated EK2.  The Iron Cross 1st Class is abbreviated EK1.  

The Iron Cross is an old award, dating back to the time of the liberation war against Napoleon in 1813.  The Iron Cross could be awarded for a number of reasons, to include exceptional merit, successful military planning, exceptional leadership and meritorious work done by members under the command of the recipient.  

The Iron Cross 2nd Class is awarded by pinning the medal to the tunic.   It comes with either an award box or an envelope, and a certificate.  The 2nd Class award is worn as the ribbon through the second buttonhole, and supersedes all other ribbons.  Refer to the Awards and Decorations Precedence Figure.  Approximately 3,000,000 EK2's were awarded to members of the Wehrmacht, SS, civilians and to members of other axis armies during World War II.  

The Iron Cross 1st Class is awarded in a black award box, along with a certificate.  The 1st Class medal is worn on the left breast pocket, superseding the War Merit Cross and the Infantry Assault Badge.  The 1st Class award can be worn as a medal or as a cloth patch.  Approximately 450,000 EK1's were awarded to members of the Wehrmacht, SS, civilians and to members of other axis armies during World War II.  

On dress uniforms, the Iron Cross (of any class) is worn either as a ribbon on the ribbon bar or as medal and ribbon on the ribbon bar.  Unlike most other awards, every level of this award can be worn at once.

2nd Class requirements are:  

1st Class requirements are:

352.ID requirements, 2nd Class:

or

352.ID requirements, 1st Class:

or

German Cross

Kriegsorden den Deutschen Kreuzes

The German Cross in Silver and Gold was instituted as an Order on 28 September 1941.

The German Cross in Silver recognizes honorable military service in the execution of the war effort.  The German Cross in Gold recognizes bravery and outstanding achievements in battle.  The German Cross in Gold was designed to bridge the gap between the Iron Cross 1st Class and the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross.

The German Cross is awarded in an award box, along with a certificate.  It is worn on the right breast pocket, above the Spanish Cross.  It can be worn in the medal form, or in a cloth patch form.  Unlike most other awards, both grades can be worn simultaneously, Gold on top of silver.  

Silver Requirements are:

Gold Requirements are:

352.ID Silver requirements:

352.ID Gold requirements:

Close Combat Clasp

Nahkampfspange

The Close Combat Clasp in Bronze, Silver and Gold was instituted 25 November 1942.  This award, considered to be the highest infantry award, recognizes Soldaten who have fought hand-to-hand or in close combat situations.  

When awarded the Bronze or Silver grade, the award came in an envelope accompanied with a certificate.  The Gold grade of the award came in a black award box with a certificate.

The Close Combat Clasp is worn 1cm above the left breast pocket or 1cm above the ribbon bar (if worn).  Only the highest grade of the clasp is worn.  

Being awarded the Close Combat Clasp in Bronze automatically also awarded the recipient the Iron Cross 2nd Class (if not already awarded).  Being awarded the Close Combat Clasp in Silver automatically also awarded the recipient the Iron Cross 1st Class (if not already awarded).  Being awarded the Close Combat Clasp in Gold automatically also awarded the recipient the German Cross in Gold (if not already awarded).  The Clasp in Gold was awarded in official ceremonies to the recipient by either Hitler, Himmler or Guderian.   Approximately 635 Gold Clasps were awarded in World War II.

Bronze requirements:

or

Silver requirements:

or

Gold requirements:

or

352.ID Bronze requirements:

352.ID Silver requirements:

352.ID Gold requirements:

Infantry Assault Badge

Infanterie Sturmabzeichen

The Infantry Assault Badge was instituted as a war decoration 20 December 1939 (Silver) and 1 June 1940 (Bronze).  The Infantry Assault Badge in silver was created to recognize non-motorized infantry assaults.  The Badge is awarded in an envelope with a certificate.

The Infantry Assault Badge is worn on the left breast pocket.  It is superseded by the Iron Cross and War Merit Cross, but supersedes the Would Badge, and most other awards worn on the left breast pocket. 

Requirements for Silver:

352.ID requirements for Silver:

Tank Destruction Badge

Das Sonderabzeichen für das Niederkämpfen von Panzerkampfwagen durch Einzelkämpfer

The tank destruction badge was instituted as a war decoration on 9 March 1942 (Silver) and 18 December 1943 (Gold).  This award was designed to recognize individuals, not a part of an anti-tank crew, that destroy an enemy tank using a Panzerfaust, Panzershreck, satchel charge, grenade, or by other means.  It is also known as the Tank Buster Badge (Panzervernichtungsabzeichen).

The badge is awarded and worn on the right sleeve, at the upper breast pocket level.  The Tank Destruction Badge is awarded for each tank destroyed.  Maximum of 4 badges (any combination) to be worn at once.

Approximately 18,541 Silver Tank Destruction Badges were awarded during World War II.  Approximately 451 Gold Tank Destruction Badges were awarded during World War II.

Silver requirements are:

Gold requirements are:

352.ID Silver requirements are:

352.ID Gold requirements are:

Wound Badge

Verwundetenabzeichen

The Wound Badge in Black, Silver and Gold was instituted as a wound award on 1 September 1939.  The Wound Badge was originally designed just for military members, but was later designated for civilians injured in air raids as well.  The Wound Badge was the most highly awarded German decoration in World War II.  

The Black grade was awarded in an envelope with a certificate.  The Silver and Gold Grade were awarded in either an envelope or an award box, along with a certificate.  

The wound badge is worn on the left breast pocket, and is superseded by all other awards. 

Black requirements are:

or

Silver requirements are:

or

Gold requirements are:

or

352.ID Black requirements are:

352.ID Silver requirements are:

352.ID Gold requirements are:

or

Driver's Service Badge

Kraftfahr-Bewährungsabzeichen

The Driver's Service Badge was instituted as a war decoration on 23 October 1942.  It is awarded in a box, with a certificate.  It is worn on the left sleeve, at the lower pocket level.

Requirements are:

352.ID Bronze requirements are:

352.ID Silver requirements are:

352.ID Gold requirements are:

West Wall Medal

Deutsches Schutzwall-Ehrenzeichen

The West Wall Medal was instituted 2 August 1939 for West Wall defenses, and reissued 10 October 1944 for work on the Atlantik Wall.  The medal was awarded in an envelope with a certificate.   This medal is worn either on the ribbon bar of the dress uniform or the medal bar of a parade uniform.  It is superseded by all other awards.  Refer to the Awards and Decorations Precedence Figure.  Approximately 622,064 West Wall Medals were awarded during World War II.  

Requirements are:

or

or

or

or

352.ID requirements are:

Medal for the Winter Campaign in Russia 1941-42

Medaille Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42

The East Front Medal was instituted as a campaign award on 26 May 1942.  Also known as the Eastern (Ost) Front Medal, or to some Soldaten, the Order of the Frozen Flesh.  The Medal is eligible to both member of the military and civilians working for the military.  This is one of the highest awarded German decorations of World War II.  The medal was awarded in a envelope, accompanied by a certificate.  Normal wear of the Ost Front Medal is worn as the ribbon through the second buttonhole or on the ribbon bar.  In dress uniform, this award can be worn either on the ribbon bar or on the medal bar.  The ribbon is superseded by the War Merit Cross and the Iron Cross ribbon, however, many troops had it supersede the War Merit Cross because service on the Ost Front was considered more prestigious.  Refer to the Awards and Decorations Precedence Figure.

Requirements are:

or

or

or

352.ID requirements:

or

AWARDS AUTHORIZED FOR ADVANCED PARTICIPATION

This category of awards and decorations recognizes members of the 352.ID for advanced participation – ECPs in excess of 600 points.  Two categories have been set up to allow Category A members (age 39 and under) to wear Third Reich era awards, and to allow Category B veterans (age 40 and over) to wear World War I period awards.

Czech/Sudetenland Annexation Medal

Die Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 1. Oktober 1938

The Czech/Sudetenland Annexation Medal Instituted as a campaign medal on 18 October 1938.  The translation of the actual name of the medal is "The Medal to Commemorate 1 October 1938".  The Medal was awarded to all German (Sudeten) State officials and members of the Wehrmacht and SS who marched into the Sudetenland on 1 October 1938.  It was also awarded to occupying forces in Czechoslovakia on 15 March 1939.  Awarding of this medal ended on 1 December 1939.   Approximately 1,162,617 medals were awarded.

The medal is awarded in an envelope along with a certificate.  It can be worn on the ribbon bar, or, when in dress uniform, worn as medal and ribbon on the medal bar.  Refer to the Awards and Decorations Precedence Figure.

Requirements are:

or

352.ID requirements are:

Silesian Eagle

Schleischer Adler

The Silesian Eagle was instituted as an award on 16 June 1919.  This award was designed for post World War I soldiers in the Freikorps, as an alternative to the Iron Cross.  It came in two classes, like the Iron Cross, and requirements for both classes closely resembled that of the Iron Cross.  The medal can be won on the left breast pocket, superseding all other medals except for the Iron Cross.  In dress uniform, the award can be worn as a medal and ribbon on the ribbon bar.

Requirements are:

352.ID requirements are:

Memel Medal

Die Medaille zur Erinnerung an die Heimkerhr des Memllandes 22.März 1939

Instituted on 1 May 1939.  This medal was awarded to approximately 31,322 recipients who entered the Memel District during its annexation into the Reich.  The medal is awarded in an envelope along with a certificate.  It can be worn on the ribbon bar, or, when in dress uniform, worn as medal and ribbon on the medal bar.  Refer to the Awards and Decorations Precedence Figure.

Requirements are:

352.ID requirements are:

Baltic Cross

Baltisches Kreuz

Instituted on 1919.  This medal, from the Freikorps era, is awarded to those who fought in the Baltic area in 1919.  Approximately 21,839 of these medals were awarded to soldiers of the Freikorps.  If worn, it is worn on the left breast pocket, superseded by all other medals and awards.

Requirements are:

352.ID requirements are:

Anschluss Medal

Die Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 13. März 1938

Instituted on 13 Mar 1938.  This medal was awarded to approximately 318,689 recipients who marched into Austria during the annexation and to Austrian forces joining the Wehrmacht.  The medal is awarded in an envelope along with a certificate.  It can be worn on the ribbon bar, or, when in dress uniform, worn as medal and ribbon on the medal bar.  Refer to the Awards and Decorations Precedence Figure.

Requirements are:

or

352.ID requirements are:

Bavarian Military Merit Cross

Militär-Verdienstkreuz

Instituted on 19 July 1866.  This is one of the highest awards an enlisted man can receive.  It is on the same level as the Pour le Mérite that officers are eligible for.  This award was last presented during the first World War, and only to about 1760 soldiers.  This medal, when worn, is worn around the neck.

Requirements are:

352.ID requirements are:

Honor Roll Clasp of the Army

Ehrenblatt des Heeres

Instituted on 30 Jan 1944.  This award can only be worn on the Iron Cross 2nd Class ribbon (1914 or 1939 version), as worn through the second button hole of the tunic.  

Requirements are:

or

or

or

352.ID requirements are:

Honor Cross

Ehrenkreuz für Frontkämpfer

Instituted on 13 July 1934.  This award, instituted by President Paul von Hindenburg, was created and given to honor those who contributed to the war effort during the First World War.  It is also known as the Hindenburg Cross.  This was the first award to be instituted by the National Socialist Government.  

This award was issued in three versions.  The Ehrenkreuz für Frontkämpfer was issued to troops in battle.  The Ehrenkreuz für Kriegsteilnehmer was issued to civilians who contributed to the War effort.  The Ehrenkreuz für Witwen und Eltern gefallener Kriegsteilnehmer was awarded to widows and parents of fallen soldiers.  

This decoration was awarded on a mass scale.  By 15 November 1936, over 8,000,000 had been awarded.  From 1940 on, it was also awarded to eligible inhabitants of the Saar, Danzig, Austria, Czechoslovakia and Memel.  The award came in an envelope of varying colors with the phrase "Treue um Treue" ( "Loyalty for Loyalty"), with Hindenburg's signature.  

It can be worn on the ribbon bar, or, when in dress uniform, worn as medal and ribbon on the medal bar.  

Requirements for Ehrenkreuz für Frontkämpfer are:

352.ID requirements for Ehrenkreuz für Frontkämpfer are:

ARMED FORCES LONG SERVICE AWARDS

Wehrmacht Long Service Awards are authorized for all members of the 352.ID.  Active time in the unit as a reenactor, and/or time served in the armed forces goes towards these awards.  These awards will be eligible to 352.ID members who are an active Grenadier (or higher) with the 352.ID for at least a continuous 6 months.  Refer to the Awards and Decorations Precedence Figure to determine this awards precedence.  

Long Service Medal 4th Class

Dienstauszeichnung der Wehrmacht 4.Klasse

This award was presented to a member of the Wehrmact for 4 years of service.

It is worn as the blue ribbon on the ribbon bar with the appropriate service device (e.g. the Wehrmact Adler), or on the medal bar with the appropriate service device.

Long Service Medal 3rd Class

Dienstauszeichnung der Wehrmacht 3.Klasse

This award was presented to a member of the Wehrmact for 5-12 years of service.

It is worn as the blue ribbon on the ribbon bar with the appropriate service device (e.g. the Wehrmact Adler), or on the medal bar with the appropriate service device.

Long Service Medal 2nd Class

Dienstauszeichnung der Wehrmacht 2.Klasse

This award was presented to a member of the Wehrmact for 13-18 years of service.

It is worn as the blue ribbon on the ribbon bar with the appropriate service device (e.g. the Wehrmact Adler), or on the medal bar with the appropriate service device.

Long Service Medal 1st Class

Dienstauszeichnung der Wehrmacht 1.Klasse

This award was presented to a member of the Wehrmact for 19-25 years of service.

It is worn as the blue ribbon on the ribbon bar with the appropriate service device (e.g. the Wehrmact Adler), or on the medal bar with the appropriate service device.

Long Service Medal with Oak Leaves

Dienstauszeichnung der Wehrmacht mit Eichenlaub Sonderklasse

This award was presented to a member of the Wehrmact for 26-40 years of service.  It is worn as the red and gold ribbon on the ribbon bar with the appropriate service cross, or on the medal bar with the appropriate service cross with the service device.  

U.S. TO GERMAN EQUIVALENCY AWARDS

The following table lists a number of awards and decorations currently being awarded by U.S. Armed Forces and an equivalent award from the German Armed Forces of WWII.

U.S. ARMED FORCES AWARDS

GERMAN AWARDS

Congressional Medal of Honor

Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves

Silver Star w/ Device

Distinguished Service Cross

Distinguished Service Medal


Knight's Cross

 

Distinguished Flying Cross

Legion of Merit

Silver Star

 

War Order of the German Cross

 

Bronze Star w/ V Device

Combat Infantryman Badge (x2)

Close Combat Clasp in Silver

Meritorious Service Medal 

Bronze Star 

Soldier Medal

 

Iron Cross 1st Class


Vietnam Service Medal

Southwest Asia Service Medal

Good Conduct Medal 

Army Achievement Medal 

National Defense Service Medal



War Merit Cross w/ Swords 1st Class



Purple Heart

Wound Badge

Expert Infantryman’s Badge 

Ranger Tab 

Amphibious Reconnaissance USMC

Mountain Warfare Leader USMC

Combat Infantryman’s Badge


Infantry Assault Badge in Bronze

or

General Assault Badge


Military Service in Africa, Middle East

AFRIKA Cuff Title (Commemorative)

Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

Anti-Partisan Guerrilla Warfare 

Badge in Bronze

MISCELLANEOUS AWARDS AND AWARD CRITERIA

Additional civilian or military acquired skills may qualify for a German equivalency award.  Issuance of any other awards not covered in this model must be reviewed and approved by the 352.ID Commander on a case by case basis. 

AWARD AND DECORATION PROCESS

The 352.ID Commander will notify the individual up for an award in person, by means of email, or by phone.  The 352.ID Commander will ask if the individual wishes to accept the award.  The individual is free to decline an award.  If the individual accepts, they will be free to find and order the award.  DO NOT order the award before this notification.  Each member of the 352.ID is responsible for finding and purchasing their own awards.  Refer to the Links section of the website as to find vendors who sell original and/or reproduction awards and decorations.  Once they have received the award, if they would like, the 352.ID Commander will present the award to the individual in front of the entire unit at the next unit gathering.

AWARD PRECEDENCE AND METHOD OF WEAR

Awards are worn on the wearer’s left breast pocket with the highest award centered on the pocket.  Lesser awards are worn on the bottom of the pocket with the most prestigious to the wearer’s right (nearest the heart). Pinback awards are normal worn suspended from small loops, not pushed trough the uniform fabric.  Close Combat Clasps are worn above the left pocket above the bar of awards ribbons.  The Iron Cross, War Merit Cross and Eastern Front Medals ribbons taken directly from the award can be worn without a bar inserted through the second button hole and sewn behind the tunic flap.  The most prestigious is worn most exposed.  The order of precedence is: Iron Cross; War Merit Cross; Eastern Front Medal.

Each member of the 352.ID may earn as many awards as is possible.  However, to avoid looking like a Field Marshall when you are only an Obergrenadier or a Gefreiter, the number of awards to be worn at any one time at any event will be limited to three, not to include ribbons.  Exceptions to this rule must be cleared through the 352.ID Commander.

Also, on the other hand, because you earn an award does not mean that you have to buy and/or wear it if you do not want to. 

Members caught wearing awards that they have not earned will be disciplined, as seen fit by the 352.ID Commander.  Disciplinary action can take the form of the stripping of all previously earned awards and/or demotion in rank. 

PROMOTION CRITERIA

The promotion of rank is a privilege, and not a right.  After a Recruit has obtained all required uniform items and field gear, he will be promoted to the rank of Grenadier.  Further promotions are dependent on the activity level, knowledge, leadership ability, dedication and desire of the Soldat to advance in rank.  Promotion to any rank will be based upon these criteria and a need for their rank within the 352.ID.  The size of the 352.ID will dictate how many of each rank will be needed.  Unit members who show potential for promotion will be evaluated by the following characteristics: