Description
Product Description: This Tank Destruction Strip is an outstanding example of an extremely desirable uniform removed piece. These badges are scarce in any condition but particularly hard to find like this. The metal tank emblem is nicely stamped and retains full original detail. The metal surface shows some tiny areas of old rust and green patina, with some evident wear as well as age. The black and silver woven strip is clean, with light age toning to the aluminum strands. Each corner of the strip retains traces of hand applied field gray thread stitches that once affixed this award to a uniform sleeve. The reverse of this Tank Destruction Strip retains the original field gray canvas backing. The outline of the steel backing plate to the tank is evident, with some staining from rust coming through the fabric. This appealing badge was once mounted in a scrapbook and there are some adhesive remnants remaining on the backing fabric. This hard to find piece has exceptional character. The condition rates as excellent.
Historical Description: From the onset of the largest invasion in history, Operation Barbarossa, (The German attack on the Soviet Union) the German Army comprised mostly of infantry and support elements. These Infantry and Ground units found themselves constantly having to deal Soviet armor and tanks without the assistance of heavy weapons. The Tank Destruction Badge (Sonderabzeichen für das Niederkämpfen von Panzerkampfwagen durch Einzelkämpfer) was officially instituted by Adolf Hitler on March 9, 1942, to recognize the achievements of those soldiers who were able to single-handedly destroy an enemy tank in combat using only hand-held weapons. The award was authorized to be granted for soldiers who destroyed tanks in combat actions dating back to start of Operation Barbarossa, June 22, 1941. The criteria were strict in that it did not authorize awarding to crews of anti-tank cannons, but only to individual soldiers who destroyed tanks with weapons such as grenades, mines or Molotov cocktails. The Tank Destruction Badge was issued in the form of a woven aluminum thread cloth base with black wool bands and mounted on a wool or canvas backing material. A steel or zinc stamped Panzer IV tank would be affixed to the strip with prongs.
The strip would be sewn to the upper right sleeve of the recipient’s uniform. The badge was issued for destruction of one tank, and soldiers who destroyed more than one tank could be awarded and wear a corresponding number of Tank Destruction Badges. With the continuation of the war, on December 18, 1943, the German Army command instituted a second grade of this award, the Tank Destruction Badge in Gold to meet the demand of an increasing number of recipients whose number of destroyed tanks was increasing faster than the OKW initially expected the year prior. This was a gold woven cloth strip, with a metal tank emblem that had a silver finish. The Gold grade of this award was bestowed for the single-handed destruction of five enemy tanks.
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