Panzer Badge Panzerkampfabzeichen – Bronze Wurster

The Panzer Badge (Panzerkampfabzeichen) was introduced on 20 December 1939 as a World War II German military decoration. It recognized soldiers who served in armoured combat. Initially, tank crews earned the badge after they took part in three armoured assaults on different days.

Bronze and Silver Variants

Shortly after, on 1 June 1940, authorities introduced a bronze version of the Panzer Badge. This change expanded eligibility beyond tank crews. As a result, panzer grenadiers, armoured reconnaissance units, signals troops, and medical personnel within Panzer divisions could also qualify.

Later on, on 31 December 1942, the criteria expanded again. Armoured repair teams could now earn the silver badge. To qualify, they had to repair tanks under combat conditions on three separate days.

Higher Grades: 25, 50, 75, and 100 Engagements

In addition, new grades of the Panzer Badge appeared in June 1943. These awards recognized long-term service in armoured combat. Soldiers received badges in both silver and bronze for completing 25, 50, 75, or 100 combat actions.

However, commanders could reduce the required number of engagements in certain cases. For example, they made exceptions for personnel with extended frontline service or those who suffered serious wounds. Importantly, each recipient could wear only one badge. Therefore, the badge always represented the highest level achieved.

Award Authorization

In practice, unit commanders approved these awards at the regimental or divisional level. This approach ensured that frontline leaders directly recognized combat service.