World War II Database

1.  Bill says:
23 Sep 2011 11:49:29 AM

Sonderabzeichen fur das Niederkampfen von
Panzerkampfwagen durch Einzelkampfer

What does that mean in English:
"Tank Destruction Badge" Say people, I'm not making all this up!, but you gotta love those
German compound words...

Looks like Fritz has just qualified on the Panzerfaust must have hit the target judging by his smile. The tank destroyer badge on his upper right sleeve, was an individual award to soldiers who managed to destroy an enemy tank in close combat. Silver for one
kill, four kills could be worn on right sleeve.
In 1943 a Gold band was awarded after five tank kills, the Sergeant's award is in Silver for one tank kill with a Panzerfaust,
or with grenades, mines or other ordnance. Anti-tank units were not eligable for this award.

His rank is Sergeant indicated by aluminium lace around his collar, and on the shoulder straps. As a section leader he would be armed with the MP40,9mm Submachine gun, or other automatic weapon, or a Walther pistol
or similar weapon. Check out the burlap type covering on his helmet w/wire mesh holding
the camo cover.

Suggested Reading:

Panzerfaust: and Other German Infantry
Anti-tank Weapons
By Wolfgang Fleisher
Schiffer, Publishing, Ltd. 1994
ISBN-10: 0887406726

2.  Bill says:
23 Sep 2011 09:39:05 PM

Okay here's the full translation for:

Sonderabzeichen fur das Niederkampfen von
Panzerkampfwagen durch Einzelkampfer

"Special Badge for the single handed Destruction of a Tank Badge".

If you think that was difficult to say, how about this one. It was also known as this the "Tank Buster Badge" say it in German
Panzervernichtungsabzeichen. If anyone out there knows German let me know if my translation was good, fair or bad, as I try
to bring ww2db the best possible information.

Bill