BACKGROUND: The first official, standardized shoulder straps for HJ personnel were introduced in 1933 and were designed to indicate rank and duty location. HJ shoulder straps underwent numerous modifications from their introduction until a final pattern was decided upon in late 1938. The final pattern shoulder straps eliminated the Unterbann numerals and the piping was altered to reflect branch of service. Note; The Bann numbers often followed the numbers of an Army regiment raised in the same area.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: 1938 pattern, black woven rayon, sew on shoulder strap with white rayon piping and machine woven Arabic Bann numerals, "157" also in red.