Sniper's Badge

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Sniper's Badge
Scharfschützenabzeichen
Scharfschabz.png
Sniper's Badge (1st class – gold trim)
TypeBadge
Awarded forsuccesses achieved with a rifle as a sniper
DescriptionCloth
Presented by Nazi Germany
EligibilityMilitary personnel
Campaign(s)World War II
StatusObsolete
Established20 August 1944[1]

The Sniper's Badge (German: Scharfschützenabzeichen) was a World War II German military decoration awarded to snipers. It was instituted on 20 August 1944.[1] Initially, it was only eligible to personnel serving in the German Army and the Waffen-SS.[1] Later, by order of the High Command, it was also made available to snipers of the other armed services.[1]

The sniper's badge had three grades:

  • Third class (no cord) for 20 enemy kills[2]
  • Second class (with silver cord) for 40 enemy kills[2]
  • First class (with gold cord) for 60 enemy kills[2]

The enemy kills were counted from 1 September 1944. Close quarter kills made were not to be taken into account. Every enemy kill had to be confirmed by witnesses and reported to the unit.

Description[]

The sniper's badge was made of greenish-gray cloth, embroidered and oval shaped. It depicts a black eagle's head turned to its left with white plumage, ochre yellow-colored eyes and closed beak. The eagle's body is covered by three oak leaves and a left mounted acorn. The edges of the ribbon are sewn and the three stages are distinguished by a circumferentially sewn cord in silver (2nd class) or gold (1st class). The badge was worn on the right sleeve of the uniform.[3]

Recipients[]

Notes[]

  1. ^ Jump up to: a b c d Angolia 1987, p. 114.
  2. ^ Jump up to: a b c Angolia 1987, p. 115.
  3. ^ Angolia 1987, pp. 114–115.

References[]

  • Angolia, John (1987). For Führer and Fatherland: Military Awards of the Third Reich. R. James Bender Publishing. ISBN 0912138149.

External links[]

  • Jörg Nimmergut: Deutsche Orden und Ehrenzeichen bis 1945. Band 4. Württemberg II-Deutsches Reich. Zentralstelle für wissenschaftliche Ordenskunde, München 2001, ISBN 3-00-001396-2.
  • Brian L. Davis: Uniformen und Abzeichen des deutschen Heeres 1933–1945. Motorbuchverlag.
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