Panzer Lehr
Part 6: Award Guidlines
Tank Combat Badge
Panzerkampfabzeichen
Awarded for attending 3 private battles . The Silver class was presented to tank commanders, gunners or radio operators while the bronze class was presented to the Panzer-Grenadier regiments, tank assault crew, armoured recon units, and medical personnel who went into battle in armoured vehicles.

Worn on the left pocket, centred if no other badges were worn, or on the left side of the EK I (as viewed from the front) when that medal was worn. 
Bronze


Close Combat Clasp
Nähkampfspange
For proper simulated 'close combat' but without putting your opponent in hospital! Your action must be witnessed by at least one group member. It is his/ her task to report your action to the group leadership. Based on the advice and description made by the witness, Kompanie 1 leadership may decide to award you one. The award is worn above the ribbon bar on the left breast.
Bronze Silver Gold


Wound Badge
Verwundetenabzeichen
All grades for any wound requiring hospital treatment on the same day and not when you get home . Grades apply for wounds as per the real badge.
Black Silver Gold
Worn on the left breast pocket, either centred on the pocket or to the side of other awards if present.


Tank Destruction Badge
Panzervernichtenabzeichen
For 'destroying' an armoured vehicle by using either a pyro (safely) or a dummy anti-tank device . One silver badge was granted to any soldier who single-handedly destroyed an enemy armoured fighting vehicle. Upon earning the fifth silver badge, the five were exchanged for one gold badge instead, with the 6th, 7th etc. again being represented by silver badges worn in addition to the gold, until another multiple of 5 had been earned. The recipient has to knock out the enemy vehicle with hand-weapons, and not be performing as part of a tank or anti-tank gun crew.
Worn on the right sleeve of the field blouse, halfway between the shoulder seam and the elbow.


War Merit Cross 2nd. Class
Kriegsverdienstkreuz II
For services to the group, above and beyond that usually given by group members, in particular bravery or service not connected with direct military combat . Awarded with swords for bravery not connected to front line action and without swords for meritorious service.
While issued in the form of a medal and ribbon, only the ribbon was worn on the uniform when in the field, either on the ribbon bar or as a buttonhole award. A swords device was worn on the ribbon when worn in the ribbon bar, but not when the ribbon was worn in the buttonhole.


War Merit Cross 1st. Class
Klass Kriegsverdienstkreuz I Klasse
For long term services to the group, above and beyond that usually given by group members, in particular bravery or service not connected with direct military combat . Awarded with swords for bravery not connected to front line action and without swords for meritorious service.
Always worn centred on the left breast pocket, unless the EK I was also worn, in which case the EK I would normally be centred and the War Merit Cross either beside or below it.


Service Award
Dienstauszeichnung
For service in an re-enactment group for the total duration of 4 or 12 years (no 8 years existed as with the SS). Only the blue ribbon was worn as a small pin-on bar, but not on the field grey uniform, i.e. only on the dress uniform. On the 12 year ribbon, an eagle is positioned on the ribbon bar.
4 year 12 year 12 year eagle


Old Fighter Chevron
Ehrenwinkel für Alte Kämpfer
Awarded for 10-year membership in Kompanie 1 . Worn on the right arm, positioned halfway between the shoulder seam and your elbow (when you bend your arm).


Iron Cross 2nd. Class
Eisernes Kreuz II Klasse (EK II)
For acts of specific bravery witnessed and approved by the group leadership.
While issued in the form of a medal and ribbon, only the ribbon was worn on the uniform when in the field, either on the ribbon bar or as a buttonhole award.


Iron Cross 1st. Class
Eisernes Kreuz I Klasse (EK I)
For acts of specific bravery witnessed and approved by the group leadership.
Always worn centred on the left breast pocket. Other awards, if present, were worn to the side or below the EK I.


Dress Uniform Awards
Most KP1 members have several uniforms. One for combat and a different type or branch for the evening. Pay heed that you also wear the proper awards on you uniform. So no Waffen SS awards on Luftwaffe uniforms and no infantry awards on Panzer uniforms. Go hit the books or ask friends about what award is equivalent to any you have earned.

Please note that as the 130 never fought partisans for as long as 20 days and they weren't in Russia in 1941. We, therefore, do not award the Anti-Partisan badge or the 'Ostfront' medal ribbon. There are also other awards which you will see members of Kompanie 1 wearing. These are invariably based on some sort of real-life achievement. Ask them why they are wearing them!


On the Pocket
Only EK I awarded. This would be the location for your FIRST award, such as the Infantry Assault Badge.
EK I and one decoration awarded.  In some cases the Wounds Badge or assault badge were worn directly below the EK I because of their small size.
EK I and two decorations awarded - the Assault Badge generally went on the left side as shown.  In some instances the Wounds Badge was worn directly below EK.

Kompanie 1 © 1997-2008 All photographs on this site were taken by and are copyright of Kompanie 1 members.
Due to the nature of the photographs, some of the people and vehicles involved may be from other groups.