Description
Product Description: A desirable example of a Luftwaffe Ground Assault Badge produced by the firm of Metall und Kunststoff in Gablonz. Two-piece zinc construction. The wreath shows wear to the high points with some silver remaining through the patina. The eagle is a separate piece, constructed of Tombak, and highly detailed. It is affixed to the badge by three domed rivets which are noticed on the reverse.. The eagle on this Luftwaffe Ground Assault Badge exhibits an even patina with some silver showing. The reverse is marked “M.u.K. 5” for Metall und Kunst, which was likely a conglomerate of award manufacturers, and exhibits a crimped in hinge and catch typical for MuK5 marked badges. The hardware is functional, completely intact, and unrepaired. A nice patina compliments the reverse, and there is slight oxidation around the rivets. The three aluminum rivets securely hold the tombak eagle in place; This is a desirable badge and examples like this Luftwaffe Ground Assault Badge are becoming tougher to obtain.
Historical Description: With the war progressing, and the need to fill frontline combat roles becoming increasingly difficult, the Luftwaffe was relied upon more and more to fill these positions. To recognize the combat experience of these soldiers, on March 31, 1942, Reichsmarschall Hermann Goering introduced the Luftwaffe Ground Assault Badge. The badge design is attributed to Sigmund von Weech. The badge features are a Luftwaffe eagle positioned above a storm cloud, with a bolt of lightning striking the ground. Luftwaffe soldiers who had previously been awarded German Army ground combat badges, such as the Infantry Assault Badge, General Assault Badge or Panzer Assault Badge, were immediately qualified and could exchange their previous badges for the new Luftwaffe badge. Criteria for the badge included: Luftwaffe soldiers having participated in three ground combat actions on three separate days, being wounded in a ground combat action, or to have earned another decoration in such an action. Luftwaffe soldiers killed in ground combat received the award posthumously. Personnel who could receive this award included paratroopers, members of the Luftwaffe Field Divisions, assault gun crews, and even Flak crews tasked with using their anti-aircraft guns against ground targets. On some of these badges, mostly early versions, the Luftwaffe eagle is a separate piece, riveted on. Later in the war, the eagle was most often integral to the badge. Most badges are produced of zinc, however, an exceedingly rare Tombak version exists in single digits today. These early badges were produced by C.E. Juncker of Berlin, and are highly sought after by all collectors.
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