Armored combat badge IV. level, mission number 75

The Armored Combat Badge was introduced in 1940 and is one of three Wehrmacht weapon badges alongside the General Assault Badge and the Infantry Assault Badge. The silver Panzerkampfabzeichen could be awarded to a member of a tank crew by the respective commander after three active missions in combat, while support units “only” received a bronze-colored version for the same requirement. This meant that not only tank crews could be awarded a tank combat badge, but also, for example, accompanying ambulance soldiers, escorting motorcyclists and members of the repair troops and tank intelligence units.

In the course of the Second World War, more and more soldiers fulfilled the requirements for the Armored Combat Badge, which is why it was extended by three levels in June 1943. The new levels II-IV were awarded to soldiers of the armored forces or their support units if they were able to prove 25, 50 or 75 days of combat; an extension of level IV by the deployment number 100 was also possible. Only the highest badge could be worn.

Leaflet 15/5 on the regulations for the award states that Adolf Hitler had authorized it “in recognition of the repeatedly proven dedication of the members of the heavy weapons attacking in the tank”. In fact, this foundation should probably be seen more in relation to the planned Operation Zitadelle. During this large-scale attack against the Red Army, particularly intense fighting – and high casualties – could be expected. The issue of awards was intended to help maintain fighting morale. This was particularly important in view of the defeat at Stalingrad just a few months earlier.

The commander of the heavy tank division Feldherrnhalle awarded the tank combat badge with the mission number 75 to a tank radio operator in the midst of disorganized retreat fighting at the end of April 1945. At this time, the division was on the retreat from Austria to Bohemia with its last Royal Tigers. Nevertheless, he allowed time for the award. However, this badge was only obtained after the end of the war – it is not known whether it was never issued or whether it was taken from the recipient when he was captured by US units.

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