Awards and Decorations in the 272nd

   

The following are decorations and awards that can be earned, either through service above and beyond the call of duty, for knowledge and days served, or through individual acts of courage in a battle scenario. All candidates will have to meet similar criteria as their original WWII counterpart. Unlike a Promotion, the Soldat need not have all his required gear and equipment to be decorated. However he must be an active unit member by attending three or more events a year. Only awards that have been earned and approved by unit command are permitted for wear on the wool tunic. Only original or approved reproduction medals are authorized. Although we permit as reenactor the wear of certain awards and decorations, if decorated we must take this very seriously, and never forget that the medals awarded to German Landser were earned in blood and sweat. We should always act in a respectful manner, however when decorated this is even more paramount. You are the walking example of the closest thing to a German Landser since 1945. A Battle Day is defined to be any day during an event where three or more battles occur. At non-PNWHG events the days can only be counted if four or more members are in attendance. Attendance at events that incur expenses much greater than normal, may qualify you for additional battle days at the discretion of unit command. Total battle days accrued does not automatically guarntee award. It is only one of many factors involved, including dedication, willingness to learn the language, commands, tactics, acceptance of additional responsibility, recruiting, etc.

Young soldier of the Spanish Blue division with
the Ribbon for the Iron Cross 2nd Class.

Wound Badge - das Verwundetenabzeichen
This award is only given to the Soldat for real injuries received while in the service of die deutsche Wehrmacht incurred during an event that require legitimate medical attention. The award is worn on left breast pocket below other metals if present. The grade is given as follows: Black: 1-2 Injuries Silver: 3-4 Injuries Gold: 5 or more Injuries This was an award for wounded or frostbitten soldiers first instituted in WWI. The wounds must have been incurred by hostile action, air raid or frostbite while in the line of duty. The Black award was given for one and two injuries, Silver for three or four wounds or for debilitating wounds. Gold was awarded (even posthumously) for five or more wounds or serious debilitating injuries. They were made from steel, brass, Zink or privately commissioned from pure based metals. There were an estimated 5 million wound badges given out during the war.
Eastern Front Medal - Winterschlacht im Osten (Ostfrontmedaille)
At least 4 approved East Front events must be attended and pass a unit administered exam on WWII Winter Survival Techniques (Link to Winter Survival). The events must be either a winter living history event or an approved Battle event. The ribbon is worn through the second button hole or as a ribbon bar above the left breast pocket. The Eastern Front Medal was instituted on May 26, 1942 to mark service on the Eastern Front from the period 15.Nov to 15.Apr during the winter of 1941/42. It was created to recognize the hardship endured by both combatant and non-combatant personnel during the bitter Russian winter. The soldiers' name for the metal was "Gefrierfleishorden" or the "Frozen Meat Order". Qualification for the award where as follows: 14 days served in active combat 60 days served as a non-combatant Wounded in action (injury caused by frostbite or another climate related injury severe enough also warranted issue of the wound badge) Killed in action (posthumous award) The award was presented as a medal and ribbon in a paper packet. The medal was not worn on the combat tunic but the ribbon could be worn as a ribbon bar or stitched through the second from the top tunic buttonhole.
Long Service Award - Wehrmacht-Dienstauszeichnungen
The candidate must server the minimum number of years in the unit to become eligible for the 4 or 12 year award. Larger awards can be issued for time spent in other units at the discretion of unit command. The recipient must also be a model soldier and mentor to his less experienced comrads always willing to train and direct the new recruits. Reinstated in 1936, the Long Service Award was bestowed in five classes: 4 year, 12 year, 18 year, 25 year, and 50 years. The medal inscription on the front read "Treue Diesnste in der Wehrmacht" (Loval Service in the Armed Forces). The revise side of the medal had the number of years the award was for. The award was worn as part of a group or on the ribbon bar.
West Wall Medal - Deutsches Schutzwall-Ehrenzeichen
To receive this award the Landser must significantly assist in the building of EXTENSIVE fortifications and participate in the manning of them, in addition to passing a unit administered exam on defensive positions and fortifications (Link to Defensive Operations and Fortifications). Acceptable fortifications include permanent bunkers, trenches and live-in dugouts. This can also be bestowed upon the Landser who consistently overbuilds and improves upon temporary field emplacement in at least 16 battle days. This award can be given twice. Worn on ribbon bar This medal was instituted on August 2nd 1939 and given to those who designed and build the fortifications on Germany's western borders and the troops who served them prior to 1940. As Germany was expecting the arrival of the Allied invasion in 1944 a second badge was given to those who took part in the fortifications on the western border. In all 622,064 medals were awarded.
Drivers Proficiency Badge - Kraftfahrbewährungsabzeichen
The candidate must meet the following battle day requirements and have a demonstrated safe practice as driver of a vehicle. Motorcycle dispatcher: 9 battle days Driver of armed vehicle: 12 battle days Driver of forward fighting staff vehicle: 15 battle days Driver of Supply Vehicle: 16 battle days The driver must also have all appropriate period paperwork and will be expected to continue his noteworthy service. It can also be given to a particularly dedicated rear support personnel after at least 16 battle days. The badge is worn on the middle of the lower left arm sleeve of the Feldtunic. This badge was instituted in three grades (Bronze, Silver, Gold) on 23.Okt 1942. It was created to recognize both civilian and military drivers who distinguished themselves during combat and who took exceptional care in maintaining their vehicles under the harshest conditions. Any driving conviction or vehicle neglect would result in the award being withdrawn. It was awarded to the Soldat meeting the following criteria: Motorcycle dispatcher: 90 days of service Drivers from armed vehicles: 120 days of service Drivers from miscellaneous vehicles: 150 days of service (especially close to the fighting forces such as staff drivers) Drivers from supply vehicles: 165 days of service Drivers attached to different commando units of the Wehrmacht: 185 days of service
Tank Destruction Badge - Sonderabzeichen für das Niederkämpfen von Panzerkampfwagen durch Einzelkämpfer (Panzervernichtungsabzeichen)
This is awarded to the Soldat for single handedly destroying an enemy tank with a hand held weapon, such as Panzerfaust, satchel charge or grenade bundle, and surviving the scenario. Anti-tank units are not eligible for this award. There are two grades for the metal and it is worn on the upper right sleeve. The grades are as follows: Silver: 1 Tank Gold: 5 Tanks The Silver Tank Destruction Badge was instituted on March 9, 1942 to honor individuals who single handedly destroyed an enemy tank with hand held explosives and made retroactive to the beginning of the invasion of the Soviet Union on June 22, 1941. As individuals earned multiple badges it became evident that a higher class was needed. On 19.Dez 1943 the Gold Class was created to signify the destruction of five tanks. The badge was presented to the recipient in a ceremony and pinned to the sleeve. It was later sewn on the uniform by the individual. The Silver badge was worn on the upper right arm of the tunic with subsequent awards being attached directly below the first one until four were attached at a time. On the award of a fifth badge the four would be removed and replaced with a single Gold badge. The highest number of awards given to one person was Oberstleutnant Günther Viezenz for the destruction of 21 enemy tanks.
Infantry Assault Badge - Infanteriesturmabzeichen
At least 10 Combat Days. The award is in Silver and is worn on the left breast pocket (Bronze award was given to Panzer troops). The silver class assault badge was instituted on 20.Dez.1939 by the OKH (Oberkommando des Heeres). It was awarded to infantry soldiers under the following criteria To have taken part in three or more infantry assaults. To have taken part in three or more infantry counter-attacks. To have taken part in three or more armed reconnaissance operations. To have engaged in hand to hand combat in an assault platoon. To have participated on three separate days in the restitution of combat positions.
General Assault Badge - Allgemeines Sturmabzeichen
At least 10 Combat Days portraying an eligible impression (pioneer, artillery, anti-tank, anti-aircraft, or medical). The candidate cannot already have an Infantry Assault Badge. The medal is worn on the left breast pocket. The badge was instituted on 1.Jan 1940. It was to be awarded to those units who participated in infantry attacks but were not part of infantry units and therefore did not qualify for the Infantry Assault Badge. This award was presented to Pioneers as well as other members of the artillery, anti-tank, and anti-aircraft units that served alongside the infantry in the conduct of an assault. It was also eligible for medical personnel who treated battlefield wounded. To be eligible the candidate must meet the following criteria: The recipient must not be eligible for the Infantry Assault Badge To have taken part in any three infantry or armoured assaults on three different days. To have taken part in any three infantry or armoured indirect assaults on three different days. To have been wounded wile fulfilling the second or third requirement. To have earned a decoration while fulfilling the second or third requirement.
Close Combat Clasp - Nahkampfspange
In addition to meeting the requiremnts for the Iron Cross 2nd Class, the recipient must have an additional 15 combat days for Bronze, 30 for Silver, and 50 for Gold, and pass a hand to hand combat exam as administered by unit command and from the hand to hand combat manual even if already awarded the metal (Link to Hand to Hand Combat Manual). The recipient should also already have the Iron Cross 2nd Class or higher. This medal is awarded in bronze and is worn above the left breast pocket of the Feldtunic. If the recipient is also the holder of a Wound Badge then only 10, 20 and 40 combat days are required. The Close Combat Clasp was instituted on November 25, 1942 for achievement in hand to hand fighting in close quarters. The badge was die-cast and made of either Tombac or Zinc. The award was bestowed in three classes: Bronze: 15 days of combat Silver: 30 days of combat Gold: 50 days of combat If the soldier was wounded in battle then an exemption was made and the criteria was reduced to 10, 20, and 40 days. The Gold version of the medal was often regarded with higher esteem than the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross by German infantry. Approximately 36,400 Soldiers received the Bronze Class, 9,500 Silver, and 633 Gold.
War Merit Cross 2nd Class with Swords - Kriegsverdienstkreuz 2. Klasse
At least 12 Battle Days and contributes time and effort above and beyond the call of duty. This can also be awarded by generously purchasing an authentic crew served weapon for unit use. To be awarded this must be unanimously voted upon by unit command. The ribbon is worn through second button hole underneath the Iron Cross but in front of the East Front Medal (unofficially it was worn behind that as well). It can also be worn on a ribbon bar with crossed swords pin. The War Merit Cross was created in 1939 as a successor to the non-combatant Iron Cross used in earlier wars. The award is graded the same as the Iron Cross with a 2nd, 1st, and Knights variant. The War Merit Cross with Swords was given to soldiers for exceptional service in battle above and beyond the call of duty, but not worthy of an Iron Cross which was more an award for bravery. This was a successive medal and the recipient had to have the lower grade medal to receive the higher one.
War Merit Cross 1st Class with Swords - Kriegsverdienstkreuze 1. Klasse
At least 36 Battle days, and exceed the criteria for the Kriegverdienstkreuz 2. Klasse with consistently going above and beyond the call of duty at all times. Again this must be unanimously voted upon by unit command. The recipient MUST already have the War Merit Cross 2nd Class. The medal is worn on the left breast pocket. The War Merit Cross was created in 1939 as a successor to the non-combatant Iron Cross used in earlier wars. The award is graded the same as the Iron Cross with a 2nd, 1st, and Knights variant. The War Merit Cross with Swords was given to soldiers for exceptional service in battle above and beyond the call of duty, but not worthy of an Iron Cross which was more an award for bravery. This was a successive medal and the recipient had to have the lower grade medal to receive the higher one.
Iron Cross 2nd Class - Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse
At least 16 battle days and distinguish themselves in a heroic manner during battle. The recipient must portray the German soldier in a very respectful manner at all times. The award can be worn as a ribbon sewn through the 2nd button hole of the Feldtunic or on the ribbon bar. The medal should not be worn in combat, at other events it can be attached to the second button hole of the Tunic. The Iron Cross was restored in 1939 as a decoration to award the Landser for bravery in battle as well as for other military contributions in a battlefield environment. The official criteria was a single act of bravery in the face of the enemy, or actions that were clearly above and beyond the call of duty. The Iron Cross 2nd Class came with a ribbon that was worn for everyday wear through the second buttonhole in the tunic or on the ribbon bar.
Iron Cross 1st Class - Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse
At least 30 battle days and must exceed all requirements for the Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse. The recipient must portray the German soldier in a very respectful manner at all times. To receive this award the recipient must already possess an Iron Cross 2nd Class. The medal is worn pinned to the Feldtunic centered on the left breast pocket. The Iron Cross was restored in 1939 as a decoration to award the Landser for bravery in battle as well as for other military contributions in a battlefield environment. The Iron Cross 1st Class was a pin-on medal with no ribbon. To receive this award the wearer would have to have had made three to four further acts of courage from the one that earned him his 2nd Class award. This was only a guideline however, and a single act of great importance or a long steady career could earn you the award. It would be worn centered on the uniform breast pocket, on dress uniforms and everyday wear.
German Cross in Gold - Kriegsorden des Deutschen Kreuzes
With at least 36 Battle Days, this award is for Bravery by distinguishing themselves heroically in battle. The candidate must be a “Model” Soldier at all times. The award is in Gold for Bravery and is considered to be an extension of the Iron Cross 1st Class. The candidate must already posses an Iron Cross 1st class and the award must be unanimously voted upon by all club unit commanders. To be worn on the right breast pocket in metal or cloth. The German Cross (Deutsches Kreuz) was instituted on 16.Nov 1941 as an award ranking higher than the Iron Cross First Class but below the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. It was issued in Gold for Bravery and Silver for distinguished service. More of a star than a cross it had a gaudy design and was nicknamed "Hitler's Fried Egg", "Patriotic Rear Reflector" and "Party emblem for the nearsighted". It could only be awarded by the Commander in Chief of the Wehrmacht, Commander in Chief of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, and later also by Army Group Commanders. It was worn on the right breast pocket of the tunic. It was also available in cloth form for easy wear on the combat uniform. There were far more awards given in Gold than in Silver and the recipient that received them could wear both simultaneously.
German Cross in Silver - Kriegsorden des Deutschen Kreuzes
At least 36 Battle Days, for distinguished service above and beyond the call of duty. The candidate must be a “Model” Soldier at all times. The award is in Silver for Service and is considered to be an extension of the War Merit Cross 1st Class. The candidate must already posses a War Merit Cross 1st Class and the award must be unanimously voted upon by all club unit commands. To be worn on the right breast pocket in metal or cloth. The German Cross (Deutsches Kreuz) was instituted on 16.Nov 1941 as an award ranking higher than the Iron Cross First Class but below the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. It was issued in Gold for Bravery and Silver for distinguished service. More of a star than a cross it had a gaudy design and was nicknamed "Hitler's Fried Egg", "Patriotic Rear Reflector" and "Party emblem for the nearsighted". It could only be awarded by the Commander in Chief of the Wehrmacht, Commander in Chief of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, and later also by Army Group Commanders. It was worn on the right breast pocket of the tunic. It was also available in cloth form for easy wear on the combat uniform. There were far more awards given in Gold than in Silver and the recipient that received them could wear both simultaneously.
Knights Cross of the Iron Cross - Ritterkreuz des Eisernes Kreuzes
Only in extremely rare circumstances will the Knights Cross be awarded. Requirements for obtaining this award are generally beyond the realm of this unit. In some instances a Knights Cross may be awarded after unanimous decision by all unit commanders in the club, and only under very special circumstances. As an example, it may be awarded to an individual who purchases a Panzer, provides a crew, and commands the vehicle. The impression for a Panzer commander would benefit from wearing it and as a special reward and recognition for such a significant investment into the club. The award is worn at the base of the neck on the ribbon. This award was very highly regarded, and is somewhat equivalent to the US Medal of Honor. It could be awarded based upon individual actions or to a unit commander in recognition of the high performance of his unit. To qualify for the Knight's Cross the Soldat must already hold the Iron Cross 1st Class. Only 7,318 Knight's Cross awards were made, 43 of them being awarded to non-Germans. The first Gefreiter to be awarded was Hubert Brinkforth on March 7th 1941.
Award Certificates These certificates have already been stamped with the Kompanie Stempel and Commanding Officers Dienst und Grad.
West Wall Medal Award Certificate Ostfront Badge Award Certificate Infantry Assault Badge in Bronze and Silver Award Certificate General Assault Badge in Bronze and Silver Award Certificate Close Combat Badge and Wound Badge Award Certificate Panzer Assault Badge in Bronze and Silver Award Certificate War Merit Cross 1st and 2nd Class Award Certificate Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class Award Certificate

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