German WWII Infantry Assault Badge-This is an unmarked example with 50% of its silver finish remaining on the obverse. The reverse has approx. 90% of the silver finish in place. This badge has good details. The zinc on the obverse of this badge has toned to a nice dark gray color. This badge is a solid zinc and is nicely marked on the reverse with the maker mark FZS for Fritz Zimmermann of Stuttgart. The long pin is in place with the hinge and catch that all work as they should. The pin is slightly bent, this appears to be from general wear and tear. Overall, a handsome badge.
History: The infantry assault badge in silver was introduced on December 20th, 1939, by Generaloberst Walther von Brauchitsh, as an award for officer’s and EM/NCO’s of non-motorized infantry and Mountain infantry units. The criteria for the badge varied, with the main qualification being the participation in three separate infantry assaults. On June 1st, 1940, a bronze version of this Infantry Assault Badge was introduced as an award to Officer’s and EM/NCO’s of Motorized infantry units. The criteria for the bronze badge matched those of the silver badge; again, with the main qualification being the participation in three separate motorized infantry assaults.