General Assault Badges

The General Assault Badge (Allgemeines Sturmabzeichen) was awarded to assault engineers (pionier) as well as to those troops who supported infantry and armor units in combat. Also included were other engineering units, artillery, anti-tank (pak) units, anti-aircraft (flak) units and some medics. Unlike the Infantry Assault, Panzer Assault and Flak Badges, which feature a small Wehrmacht eagle positioned atop an oakleaf wreath, the General Assault Badge is dominated by a large Wehlmacht eagle in the center of its oakleaf wreath. Documentation supports only a "silver" version of the badge, however, I have examined a number of these badges that are "bronze" in color, with different manufacturer's marks on them and with good detail and proper construction. Assuming they are original, I can only assume that these badges never received the final silver finish over the base metal or have totally lost their silver finish over the years.

The badge in figure A1 and A2 is a ""JFS" marked scoop back. The pin and catch assemblies are afixed by two rivets each. I have a very similar General Assault Badge that is unmarked, with the same riveted construction. In figure A3, the "FRANK & REIF STUTTGART" badge is a solid back, differing principally from figure A2 in that it is not cut out between the swastika and the crossed bayonet and stick grenade.

Figure B1 and B2 are both "Assmann" badges, produced by an extrusion process (note the faint, raised circular areas along the sides of the wreath) in which the hinge and catch are an integral part of the badges formed as one piece with the badge. The pin was attached at another step. The two badges are alike except for the first having the number "2" versus the second having the number "3". Perhaps this indicates the year or place of manufacture. Figure B3 is an unmarked hollow back in which there is no cut out between the swastika and the crossed bayonet and stick grenade, similar to the figure A3 solid back badge. I have another unmarked hollow back which has the usual cut out beneath the swastika. In figure B5, a solid back badge, shows a third marmfacturer's variation as to what is cut out. Here, under the ''W'' on the left side, is one cut out beneath the swastika while there is no cut out under the swastika on the right side. This is in contrast to the usual two cut outs or sometimes none at all. The"W" maker's mark is stamped into the badge whereas on all other badges shown, the maker's mark is raised. Figure C1 is an unmarked solid backbadge with a round, convex. fluted attaching plate screwed into a center post. The small pin at the bottom of the badge (about 3/16 inch in length) was intended to help hold the badge upright when worn.

Figure C2 is a drawing of the General Assault Badge for 25 engagements. The Wehrmacht eagles bayonet and grenade are black while the oakleaf wreath is silver. The number"25" and the border directly around it are in gold. On the back of the badge, figure C3, can be seen four domed rivets attaching the eagle, bayonet and grenade (one piece) to the wreath. The maker is"RK". This badge can also be found with no markings or with maker's marks "GB" or "JFS".

In wartime photos of individuals wearing the General Assault Badge, it is common to see it with a "frosted" finish (a rich silver-white appearance).

It is uncommon to find a badge that has reined its frosted finish over the years. The"JFS" badge in figure A1 and A2 retains slight traces of a frosted finish on its front. In contrasts its pin. hinge, catch and curved riveted plates,being made of a harder metal, retain all of the original frosted finish. Of course,many of these badges were produced with a dull finish. a smart choice if you're going to wear it into combat. I have a General Assault Badge in it's simple, simi- bright metal. I have noted that the General Assault Badges are frequently encountered with field repairs to both the pin and catch, more so that in other Army badges I have come across. The General Assault Badge is a distinctive, handsome badge. Perhaps because it doesn't carry the glamour of the Infantry Assault or Panzer Assault Badges, or because it only has a silver version, it does not seem to command the collector interest of other Army combat badges. This is unfortunate.

Tim Curley, "General Assault Badges, Some Observations", Der Gauleiter, 1994