BACKGROUND: The Infantry Assault Badge in silver was introduced on December 20TH 1939 by Generaloberst Walther von Brauchitsch, for award to Officers, and EM/NCO's of non-motorized, Infantry and Mountain Infantry units. Criteria for the award varied, with the main qualification being participation in three separate Infantry assaults. Of Note: On June 1ST 1940 a bronze version of the Infantry Assault Badge was introduced for award to Officer's, and EM/NCO's of Motorized Infantry units.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Injection molded, zinc construction, solid backed, badge with a silver wash features an embossed, vertically oval, oak-leaf wreath with a Wehrmacht style eagle with down-swept wings, clutching a canted swastika in its talons, superimposed to the top center, encompassing a cut-out, bolt action, rifle with a fixed bayonet and a sling. The solid reverse has an integral, molded, hinge, a thin, round, vertical, pin and an integral catch all intact. The reverse of the badge is well marked with the stamped, somewhat stylized, manufacturer’s initials within a circular border, "GWL", indicating manufacture by Gebrüder Wegerhof of Lüdenscheid.