Awards of the Wehrmacht

The Wehrmacht, the unified armed forces of Nazi Germany from 1935 to 1945, maintained a structured and elaborate awards system to recognize military merit, bravery, and service. These decorations were not only a reflection of individual acts of valor but also an important part of military hierarchy and morale. Soldiers, officers, and even non-Germans serving in the Wehrmacht were eligible for various awards, which held considerable prestige and were strictly regulated. Understanding the range and significance of Wehrmacht awards provides insight into the values and operational culture of one of the most formidable military organizations of the 20th century.

Structure of the Wehrmacht Awards

The awards of the Wehrmacht can be divided into several main categories: valor decorations, service medals, campaign awards, and special distinctions. Each of these served a different purpose and was awarded based on rank, service time, or combat performance.

Valor and Bravery Awards

These were among the most sought-after decorations in the Wehrmacht, designed to honor acts of exceptional courage on the battlefield.

• Iron Cross: The most recognized award of Nazi Germany, the Iron Cross was awarded in different classes. It had a long history, but during World War II, it was reintroduced with swastika insignia. The standard classes included:
  • Iron Cross 2nd Class
  • Iron Cross 1st Class
  • Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross – with further distinctions such as Oak Leaves, Swords, and Diamonds
• War Merit Cross: Established for those who contributed significantly to the war effort without direct combat, though it also had a version with swords for combat-related merit.

Service Awards

The Wehrmacht also recognized longevity and dedication through service awards, often given automatically based on years served.

• Wehrmacht Long Service Award: Ranging from 4 years (4th Class) to 40 years (1st Class), these awards were given to personnel in the army, navy, and air force.

Campaign and Theatre Awards

Soldiers who participated in specific military operations or served in particular theaters of war received campaign medals.

• Eastern Front Medal: Also called the Frozen Meat Medal, this award was given to those who fought in the harsh Russian winter of 1941-1942.
• Africa Campaign Medal: Issued to those who served in the North African campaign under General Rommel.
• West Wall Medal: Awarded for construction or service along the defensive West Wall, also known as the Siegfried Line.

Special Decorations and Badges

In addition to medals, many badges were awarded for specific skills, service branches, or roles.

• Infantry Assault Badge: For infantry soldiers who participated in direct combat engagements.
• Tank Destruction Badge: Awarded to individuals who destroyed enemy tanks using hand-held weapons.
• General Assault Badge: For support troops who engaged in combat but were not infantry.
• Wound Badge: Awarded in black, silver, or gold depending on the number and severity of wounds received.

Naval and Air Force Awards

Kriegsmarine (Navy) Decorations

The German navy had its own set of awards tailored to naval warfare and duties.

• U-Boat War Badge: Given to submarine crews after completing a combat patrol.
• Destroyer War Badge: For sailors serving on destroyers with commendable performance.
• High Seas Fleet Badge: For participation in major fleet actions in open seas.

Luftwaffe (Air Force) Awards

The German air force recognized flight achievements and aerial victories through specific decorations.

• Pilot’s Badge: Given to trained and active pilots.
• Air Gunner’s Badge: For aircrew members such as gunners and radio operators.
• Front Flying Clasp: A badge worn by flight personnel, denoting the number of operational flights.
• Honor Goblet of the Luftwaffe: An ornate silver goblet awarded for exceptional performance in aerial combat, though not as widely distributed as medals.

Foreign Volunteers and Auxiliary Awards

The Wehrmacht incorporated many foreign nationals, especially from occupied or allied countries. To recognize their contributions, special awards were sometimes given.

• Eastern People’s Medal: Awarded to volunteers from the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe who supported the Wehrmacht.
• Spanish Cross: Granted to those who participated in the Spanish Civil War on the Nationalist side, particularly members of the Condor Legion.

Symbolism and Propaganda Role

The awards of the Wehrmacht were not only about recognizing bravery and service; they also played a significant role in Nazi propaganda. Medals often bore the swastika or imperial eagle, blending German military tradition with the ideology of the Third Reich. They served to promote loyalty, inspire the troops, and reinforce the image of the ideal German soldier.

Many awards were ceremoniously presented by senior commanders or even Hitler himself. These occasions were often photographed and publicized to boost national morale and support for the war effort.

Controversies and Post-War Legacy

After the fall of Nazi Germany in 1945, many of the Wehrmacht’s awards became controversial due to their association with the Nazi regime. In modern Germany, the display of awards bearing the swastika is restricted or banned, though some awards are allowed if they have been de-Nazified by removing or altering the symbol.

Nonetheless, military historians and collectors continue to study and document these decorations as part of understanding World War II history. Some awards, like the Iron Cross, have been reintroduced in post-war forms by the modern German military, though with new designs free of Nazi imagery.

The awards of the Wehrmacht were deeply embedded in the military culture of Nazi Germany. They recognized bravery, skill, and loyalty across all branches of the armed forces. From the Iron Cross to specialized badges for tank destruction or submarine warfare, each award told a story of service and ideology. While many are now viewed through the lens of history and controversy, they remain essential for understanding how the Nazi regime used symbolism and honor to motivate and control its armed forces during one of the most destructive wars in human history.