Panzer Assault Badge

Though a commemorative badge for WWI armor service and a badge for the Spanish Civil War existed, it wasn't until 1939 that a badge was created to recognize combat service in the tank divisions. The Panzer Assault Badge in silver was instituted by Generaloberst Walther von Brauchitsch on December 20, 1939 for award to all ranks of tank personnel who served as a tank commander, driver, gunner or radio operator and had been involved in three different armored assaults on three different days, wounded in an armored assault, or decorated for gallantry in an armored assault. On June 1,1940 a Bronze version of the badge was introduced for award to Panzer Grenadier, medical, and armored car personnel. The numbered Special Grade of the Panzer Assault Badge was authorized on June 22, 1943  with the numerals, 25, 50, 75 and 100 to recognize participation in numerous armored actions. The numbered badges followed the basic design of their un-numbered predecessors but were larger and had the addition of an inset rectangular plate with a numeral to the bottom of the wreath.

Armin Böttger in his memoir Into the Gate of Hell wrote "I received...the Silver Panzer Combat Badge after my sixth engagement. I was very proud of this award which looked very eye-catching on the black material of the panzer uniform and announced that this panzer man had already fought at the front and proved himself as a soldier and a man."

Silver Panzer Assault Badge

Bronze Panzer Assault Badge

1957 Version without swastika awarded for WWII service

50 Panzer Assault Badge in Silver, unmarked Juncker