Sniper badge

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3rd level sniper badge
First model of the sniper badge, which was not introduced in this version.

The sniper badge was donated on August 20, 1944 by Adolf Hitler . In the introductory decree, it said: [...] in recognition of the individual shooter with a rifle as a sniper and in recognition of the successes achieved here, I am introducing the sniper badge for the army and the Waffen SS. By decree of the OKW of December 14, 1944, it was also made accessible to the other Wehrmacht parts.

stages

The award could take place in three stages:

  1. Level for at least 20 enemy kills
  2. Level for at least 40 enemy kills
  3. Level for at least 60 enemy kills

The kills achieved from September 1, 1944 onwards were taken into account. Successes in hand-to-hand combat as well as in general combat activities of the troops, such as defense and kills carried out in attack, were not allowed to be taken into account. Every kill had to be confirmed by witnesses and reported to the unit. The conditions provided for this through an officer.

Appearance

The badge is made of greenish-gray cloth, embroidered several times and is oval . It shows a black eagle head turned to the right with white plumage, ocher-colored eyes and a closed beak. The body is covered by an oak leaf break made of three leaves and an acorn on the left. The edges of the badge are sewn and the individual levels can be distinguished by a cord sewn on all around in silver (2nd level) or gold (3rd level).

Carrying method

The badge was worn at the highest level on the uniform on the right forearm.

Specialty

At the beginning of 1945 the OKW issued an order that the badge had to be removed before being captured, after primarily Russian troops shot every captured sniper immediately.

literature

  • Jörg Nimmergut : German medals and decorations until 1945. Volume 4: Württemberg II - German Empire. Central Office for Scientific Order Studies , Munich 2001, ISBN 3-00-00-1396-2 .
  • Brian L. Davis: Uniforms and Badges of the German Army 1933–1945. Motorbuch-Verlag, Stuttgart 1973, ISBN 3-87943-301-1 (revised new edition, special edition. Ibid 2003, ISBN 3-613-02359-8 ( Motorbuch-Verlag special )).
  • Christian Zentner (ed.): Soldiers in action. The German Wehrmacht in World War II. Year publisher, Hamburg 1977.

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Introductory decree for the sniper badge of August 20, 1944, General Heeresmitteilungen No. 468, p. 255
  2. ^ Jörg Nimmergut : German medals and decorations until 1945. Volume 4. Württemberg II-German Empire. Central Office for Scientific Order Studies , Munich 2001, ISBN 3-00-00-1396-2 , p. 2332