The Close Combat Clasp in Bronze, Silver and Gold was instituted 25 November 1942.
This award, considered to be the highest infantry award, recognizes Soldaten who have fought hand-to-hand or in close combat situations.
When awarded the Bronze or Silver grade, the award came in an envelope accompanied with a certificate.
The Gold grade of the award came in a black award box with a certificate.
The Close Combat Clasp is worn 1cm above the left breast pocket or 1cm above the ribbon bar (if worn).
Only the highest grade of the clasp is worn.
Being awarded the Close Combat Clasp in Bronze automatically also awarded the recipeant the Iron Cross 2nd Class (if not already awarded).
Being awarded the Close Combat Clasp in Silver automatically also awarded the recipeantthe Iron Cross 1st Class (if not already awarded).
Being awarded the Close Combat Clasp in Gold automatically also awarded the recipeantthe German Cross in Gold (if not already awarded).
The Clasp in Gold was awarded in official ceremonies to the recipeant by either Hitler, Himmler or Guderian. Approximately 635 were awarded in World War II.
This award, considered to be the highest infantry award, recognizes Soldaten who have fought hand-to-hand or in close combat situations.
When awarded the Bronze or Silver grade, the award came in an envelope accompanied with a certificate.
The Gold grade of the award came in a black award box with a certificate.
The Close Combat Clasp is worn 1cm above the left breast pocket or 1cm above the ribbon bar (if worn).
Only the highest grade of the clasp is worn.
Being awarded the Close Combat Clasp in Bronze automatically also awarded the recipeant the Iron Cross 2nd Class (if not already awarded).
Being awarded the Close Combat Clasp in Silver automatically also awarded the recipeantthe Iron Cross 1st Class (if not already awarded).
Being awarded the Close Combat Clasp in Gold automatically also awarded the recipeantthe German Cross in Gold (if not already awarded).
The Clasp in Gold was awarded in official ceremonies to the recipeant by either Hitler, Himmler or Guderian. Approximately 635 were awarded in World War II.
Bronze requirements:
• Participate in 15 days hand-to-hand combat
or
• Participation in 10 days close combat, if severely wounded
Silver requirements:
• Participate in 30 days hand-to-hand combat
or
• Participation in 20 days close combat, if severely wounded
Gold requirements:
• Participate in 50 days hand-to-hand combat
or
• Participation in 40 days close combat, if severely wounded