The Wound Badge in Black, Silver and Gold was instituted as a wound award on 1 September 1939
The Wound Badge was originally designed just for military members, but was later designated for civilians injured in air raids as well.
The Wound Badge was the most highly awarded German decoration in World War II.
The Black grade was awarded in an envelope with a certificate.
The Silver and Gold Grade were awarded in either an envelope or an award box, along with a certificate.
The wound badge is worn on the left breast pocket, and is superseded by all other awards.
Black requirements are:
Wounded 1-2 times in fighting or in an air raid
or
• Wounded by frostbite in the line of duty
Silver requirements are:
• Wounded 3-4 times in fighting or in an air raid
or
• Serious injury in the line of duty
Gold requirements are:
• Wounded 5 times or more in fighting or in an air raid
or
• Death in the line of duty