Germany Awards - Special Tank Destroyer Badge in Silver

"A special sign for fighting tank vehicles by individual fighters," according to the full name, was established on March 9, 1942 (date of announcement) by Adolf Hitler. The badge was awarded in the form of an armband to servicemen who, from June 22, 1941, as single fighters, disabled or destroyed enemy tanks or armored vehicles. For each tank destroyed, a special insignia was issued. So multiple awards were possible. The strips were worn between each other on the right forearm. The award was requested in writing and made by the respective commander. The award was made without a certificate and was entered in military documents. Posthumous awards have been possible since 1943. Survivors were sent a badge. On the basis of multiple awards on December 18, 1943, it was decided to introduce a golden special sign. The award was given for 5 tanks. Previously returned tapes were not subject to return. For the award, 2 and 3 sleeve patches were issued for officers, respectively. The number of awards is estimated at more than 10,000. The gold level was awarded in different versions. With gold aluminum tongue and blackened iron leaf shell, gilded iron leaf shell or gilded armor shell on silver braid. By the beginning of the awarding with silver special signs, due to lack, front-line products made of silver veins and sewn fabric or embroidered tanks were also worn.

Hollow relief tank made of black iron sheet. This is applied to an elongated sleeve strip on a silver aluminum braid. Edges with black cotton edging 3 mm wide. A tank with 3 flat cotter pins is mounted on a tape with a rounded counterplate. The back side is covered with a dark canvas.

Front side:

• Tank in the form of a German tank IV going to the left.
• At the bottom there are 8 small rollers and at the side there are 2 large rollers in front of a smaller size.
• On top at the same distance 3 small rollers.

Downside:

• 3 flat cartridges of the tank are inserted into a rounded counter-plate and bent.
• The back side is covered with a dark, greenish-gray canvas.

Photos of www.militaria-berlin.de