Medals & badges in combat

Discussions on Axis uniforms, headgear and insignia. Hosted by John G & William Kramer.
Post Reply
Edwood654
Member
Posts: 3
Joined: 25 May 2017, 04:36
Location: University

Medals & badges in combat

#1

Post by Edwood654 » 27 May 2017, 17:11

From pictures I have seen it appears that German infantry wore numerous badges and medals / awards on their uniforms while in combat even at the front
It seems to me that Americans only wore basic patches showing rank and division. Can anyone offer any insight to this practice. Was there an official policy or dress code? Was it optional to wear these? Wouldn't these these medals be cumbersome lying prone or in a foxhole?

User avatar
von thoma
Member
Posts: 6515
Joined: 10 Jul 2010, 04:40
Location: Spain

Re: Medals & badges in combat

#2

Post by von thoma » 27 May 2017, 20:01

Wouldn't these these medals be cumbersome lying prone or in a foxhole?
Indeed, they were a hindrance.
You can see pictures of EK 1 folded, or Assault Infantry badges broken.
" The right to believe is the right of those who don't know "


Peter
Financial supporter
Posts: 4792
Joined: 24 Nov 2002, 12:13
Location: Europe

Re: Medals & badges in combat

#3

Post by Peter » 30 May 2017, 14:15

It was normal practice for German troops to wear their awards as they had in the 1914-18 war. British forces were awarded few medals and would only wear a narrow strip of ribbon above their chest pocket. US forces wore narrow strips of ribbon denoting their medals but also I think metal badges such as Combat Infantryman and metal "wings" for aircrew. Russian troops wore their medals in combat in similar practice to the Germans.

Post Reply

Return to “Axis Uniforms, Headgear & Insignia”