General Assault Badge

The decoration, designed by the Berlin-based firm of Wilhelm Ernst Peekhaus, was an oval disk that measured 5.3 cm (2.1 in) by 4.2 cm (1.7 in), with a depth of .6 cm (0.2 in). A wreath of five oak leaves runs around the circumference on each side of the medal with a pair of acorns at the base. Inside the wreath is a large Wehrmacht-style eagle with folded wings grasping a swastika, which itself surmounts a crossed bayonet and stick grenade. The medal was held in place on the uniform with a pin and catch,^[2] and worn on the left chest pocket.^[3]

From 22 June 1943, further classes were created, bearing a small plate at the base with the numbers 25, 50, 75, or 100 to recognise soldiers who had taken part in numerous attacks. These were known as grades II through V, accordingly. On the Class IV and Class V badges, the oak leaves which run around the circumference on each side of the medal, along with the bayonet and hand grenade, were larger in size – 5.7 cm (2.2 in) by 4.8 cm (1.9 in). Further, the wreath was gold.^[2] Only one badge, the highest level received, was worn.^[3]

Nazi-era awards were initially banned by the post-war Federal Republic of Germany. In 1957, many World War II military decorations, including the General Assault Badge, were reauthorised for wear by qualifying veterans. With the display of Nazi symbols banned, the badge was redesigned by removing the swastika, and members of the Bundeswehr wore it on the ribbon bar, represented by a small replica of the award on a field-grey ribbon.^[4]