BACKGROUND: The Luftwaffe introduced a series of three rank chevrons on March 4TH 1938 for wear by the enlisted ranks of Gefreiter, Obergefreiter, Hauptgefreiter with one chevron indicating the rank of Gefreiter, two chevrons for the rank of Obergefreiter, and three chevrons for the rank of Hauptgefreiter. These chevrons were worn on the upper left sleeve of the Service Dress tunic, the Uniform tunic, the Flight blouse and the Greatcoat. Originally the tress utilized on the chevrons was in bright silver/aluminum wire threads until regulations of September 1ST 1942 discontinued production of the highly visible tress and introduced a less visible subdued blue/grey rayon tress. Further regulations dictated that the bright tress be replaced by the subdued tress by October 1ST 1942 although the change over was never fully achieved.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: The Gefreiter’s rank insignia consists of a single, machine woven, subdued blue/grey rayon, waffle patterned, chevron machine stitched on a green cotton, inverted triangular base with an HBT, (Herring Bone Twill), weave.