$365.00
Condition: Excellent
Maker: F.O. Friedrich Orth, Wien
In stock
Product Description: A fine example of the Heer General Assault Badge by Friedrich Orth, Wien (F.O.), presented in excellent+ overall condition. Approximately 85% of the original silvered finish remains to the obverse, with attractive dull gray zinc tone showing at the high points, consistent with honest wear. The details remain crisp and well-defined, retaining the strong visual depth and quality craftsmanship characteristic of Orth production.
The reverse hardware is correct and complete, featuring a round wire pin and flat metal catch, both of which remain well-fitted and fully functional. Despite the surface wear, the badge presents with excellent eye appeal and character. Overall, this Heer General Assault Badge – F.O. is a very attractive example that continues to display well and rates in excellent condition.
Historical Description: The German General Assault Badge was instituted on June 1, 1940. When the first Heer (Army) combat badges were instituted they only recognized those in the Infantry and Panzer (Tank) units. This left the supporting elements of the German Army without an award to recognize their combat achievements. Initially the General Assault Badge was intended for Combat Engineer units, but later this was expanded to include other units such as Panzerjäger’s (Tank Hunters), Cavalry Units, down to Medical Personnel who assisted the Infantry or Panzers during combat engagements. Eligibility also continued to grow to include members of the Luftwaffe (Air Force), Kreigsmarine (Navy), Waffen-SS, and Combat Police units.
The requirements for the General Assault Badge were the same as that of the Infantry Assault Badge and the Panzer Assault Badge. The soldier must have taken part in three combat assaults on three separate days. Three assaults in one day would only count as one assault. Before the institution of the Tank Destruction Strip, awarded to soldiers who destroyed a tank by means of explosives or mine, the single-handed destruction of an enemy tank would also earn the soldier the General Assault Badge.
The Standard General Assault Badge consists of an Oakleaves wreath surrounding a large National Eagle grasping the swastika with crossed bayonet and stick grenade underneath. The General Assault Badge can be found in several different base metals such as Brass, Copper Coated Aluminum, Copper Coated Zinc, and Zinc. The use of the different types of base metal was directly impacted by the war as it progressed. Shortages forced manufacturers to switch from quality base metals like brass to lower quality base metals like zinc.
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