Adolf Hitler, as Führer and Reich Chancellor, instituted a new wound sign on September 1, 1939. The sign "For wound" was awarded to persons wounded or damaged during the brave struggle for the Fatherland from the influence of enemy weapons in 3 degrees. Later, accidents and frostbite in the combat zone were also counted. The requirements for awarding remained the same, but were supplemented by numerous additional provisions during the war. For 1-2 times, wounds were issued in black. Soldiers who were wounded 3 and 4 times received a sign in silver. For 5 times and multiple wounds, the sign was awarded in gold. The gold wound badge shown here could be awarded as an exception and for severe injuries. This included complete blindness in brain injuries when carer's allowance was provided, paraplegia or failure to conceive with double testicular loss. The badge "For wounding" of the 1st form as the main difference shows a steel helmet M 16. In 1940, the 2nd form of the wound sign was introduced, with a steel helmet M 35 and a modified laurel wreath. The design is by sculptor Eduard Hanisch-Consy, head of medal art at the École Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Berlin. Silver and gold classes were now mass-produced from tombac. The black sign "For Wound" was further made hollow of iron. The transition to zinc occurred around the end of 1943. Hollow coinage in silver and gold was offered in private trade, but was illegal.
Massive embossed, oval sign made of gilded tombac. At the back is a vertical pin with a mating hook.
Front side:
Downside:
Photos courtesy of Militaria Berlin.
Obverse: 1939 Wound Sign in Gold (2nd Uniform)
Reverse: Sign for the 1939 wound in gold (2nd form)
Awards of World War II