Luftwaffe Ground Combat Badge, Unmarked Arno Wallpach

In late 1941 the first Luftwaffe ground combat units were hastily formed to help replace the massive lose of men on the Eastern front, followed by the formation of the Brigade Meindl consisting of five Luftwaffe Field Battalions in February 1942. As a result of the formation of these new ground combat units Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring established the Luftwaffe Ground Combat Badge on March 31st 1942, for award to all Luftwaffe personnel who had distinguished themselves in ground combat. Certain criteria had to be met for award of the badge with the main criteria being three separate ground combat actions.

Later-war type, die struck zinc, in one piece solid backed. Most of the silver / grey and back original paint is still intact. The reverse has a soldered, hinge, a thin round pin and broad catch all intact. Unmarked example but the manufacturer is well known, “Arno Wallpatch”. The badge is in good condition with signs of age.

Late war example in good condition!!