Description General Assault Badge. WW2 German army combat badge. A superb quality badge for the collector with correct pin. Die stamped with nice detail and aged finish. General Assault Badge.Historical Information. The Allgemeines Sturmabzeichen was first introduced 1st June 1940. It was issued in response to troops who were involved in combat but directly with infantry or panzer units, for example gun crews, artillery personnel , drivers, etc. It forms a series of war badges awarded for achievements during combat. It was only issued to members of the Heer and Waffen SS. The badge was designed by Berlin firm of Wilhelm Ernst Peekhaus, who produced many war badges. It consisted of an oval disk measuring 5.3 cm (2 in) by 4.2 cm (2 in) by .6 cm (0 in) wide. A wreath of five oak leaves runs around 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 clutching a swastika surmounting a crossed bayonet and stick grenade. The reverse hardware consists of a vertical pin system. the hinge is soldered, riveted or crimped into place. A variety of combinations were used. The same applies to the catch top hold the pin. Early examples were often die stamped in silver but soon replaced by massive stamped zinc based badges. As usual the later examples were cast from kriegsmetal. The design is powerful and the badge is a fairly collectible item. The badges were generally die stamped but hollow backed versions were also produced. These are highly faked and very hard to spot. Great caution should be taken when buying original versions of the Allgemeines Sturmabzeichen. The award regulations were the same as the Infantry assault badge. Participated in three assaults On three different days Engaged in recovery of vehicles or personnel
