The History of the Panzerkampfabzeichen:
Panzerkampfabzeichen (PKA) or The Panzer Assault Badge (PAB) was instituted on December 20th, 1939 by Walther von Brauchitsch (commander-in-chief of the Wehrmacht in the early years of World War II). The badge design was based on the Panzer MK III tank in the center surrounded by the wreath of oak leaves with the Wehrmacht eagle on the top of the wreath holding a swastika in its claws. Initially the Panzer badge was issued only in silver grade to tank crews who took part in three armored assaults on three separate days. On June 1 st 1940 , the bronze grade was instituted for Panzergrenadiere soldiers.
The qualification requirement for the bronze grade PAB was the same as for the silver grade.
Panzerkampfabzeichen manufacturers list (please click on images for more info). Note: this is not a complete list, more to come soon.
"Pillow Crimp" - maker unknown
"7 wheeler" - possibly real Wernstein
Note: names inside quote marks are nicknames only, known to the collectors community - these are not official names.
© 2006 iiireichcollectibles
