Following the high casualties in closequarter combat in russia, in 1942 the wehrmacht established the close combat badge in three grades and was awarded to those after a specific number of battles. The german close combat clasp of world war ii epic artifacts. In the very center is an openwinged eagle and swastika set atop a crossed bayonet and. S770 a brand new book the german close combat clasp of world war two edition 2 by thomas durante. Close combat clasp third reich army awards germany europe. Bronze, silver, and gold for 15, 30, and 50 days respectively of handtohand or closein combat. It is a complete book on the close combat clasp, including every individual clasp maker and. Last book in stock the german close combat clasp of world war ii by thomas durante.
Mrs4 a close combat clasp in silver by the maker rs. Close combat clasp the german close combat clasp of world war ii durante book ebay. Nov 28, 2012 originally, this clasp was to be awarded to all officers and enlisted men of the german army who engaged in handtohand combat when supported by armor. It is a complete book on the close combat clasp, including every individual clasp. Nov 17, 2017 the close combat clasp was introduced on november 25 th, 1942 for award to personnel who fought in handtohand combat situations unsupported by armor.
Close combat clasp third reich army awards germany. Close combat clasps of the german army in world war ii by. The face of courage 9780811710558, 9780811744904 vitalsource. The close combat clasp was worn on the left breast of the tunic, above the ribbons. By the end of the war a total of 403 gold close combat badges were issued to armed forces personnel.
Etsy is the home to thousands of handmade, vintage, and oneofakind products and gifts related to your search. Formans guide to third reich german awards and their values, by adrian forman. The 2nd edition from 2019 of the successful and highly regarded book by thomas durante about the close combat clasp or nahkampfspange. With silvered finish and full makers mark on the back.
Save up to 80% by choosing the etextbook option for isbn. Wwii german tank battle badge in silver, for 25 days in actual combat, by gustav brehmer. Pre sales the german close combat clasp of world war ii by. The german close combat clasp of world war ii thomas m. This comprehensive guide illustrates the various makers of the army close combat clasp, germanys highest combat decoration of world war ii. The clasp was diecast and made of either tombac or later zinc, with a slightly curved centerpiece consisting. The face of courage goodreads meet your next favorite book. Albert goodwin collection 126 a gentlemans collection. This article be not complete without a mention of the gold bar presentation.
The clasp is shown in the book german combat awards by alan beadle on page 100. Intended primarily for infantry, other wehrmacht and waffenss units were also eligible. Discover delightful childrens books with prime book box, a subscription that delivers new books every 1, 2, or 3 months new customers receive 15% off your. This great badge came with a large collection i just bought from the estate of a vet. Original publishers hardcover, 312 pages, very richly illustrated with coloured illustrations. German close combat clasp of world war ii first edition.
In this instance, however, it does not appear to have been given for any single action but for the award of the close combat clasp in gold, which, beginning in august 1944, automatically qualifed the holder for the german cross in gold. A nice example of a wartime close combat clasp by the well known c. The close combat bar was also awarded to members of the luftwaffe, though it would later replaced by the luftwaffe close combat bar few is known about this badge, and no picture exist of its wear. Durante the german close combat clasp of world war ii nahkampfspange. The german armys award for handtohand combat gordon williamson. Following the high casualties in closequarter combat in russia, in 1942 the wehrmacht established the close combat badge in three grades. No matter what youre looking for or where you are in the world, our global marketplace of sellers can help you find unique and affordable options.
Wwi war commemorative medal of the kyffhauser union. As a result, he was awarded the close combat clasp in gold for participation in more than fifty battles on 1 april 1945 being one of only 631 men who received this decoration. The award was designed by artist wilhelm ernst peekhaus of berlin and consisted of a small square central motif of crossed stick grenade and bayonet topped by an eagle with swastika. Bronze, silver, and gold for 15, 30, and 50 days respectively of handtohand or close in combat. Apr 27, 2020 the german close combat clasp of world war ii is the 2nd edition to the first printing more than 11 years ago. The 98 men who received both the knights cross and the close combat clasp in gold. It is a complete book on the close combat clasp, including every individual clasp maker and all their variants. Nahkampfspange was a world war ii german military award instituted on 25 november 1942 for participation in. The close combat clasp was introduced on november 25 th, 1942 for award to personnel who fought in handtohand combat situations unsupported by armor. The clasp features a fine central sunburst wings and is covered in sprigs of oak leaves. It retains most of the original finish which has darkened a bit over the years. This army close combat clasp is an early example, with a good bronze finish throughout. Click to read more about the german close combat clasp of world war ii by thomas durante.
The german close combat clasp of world war ii 2nd edition. Nahkampfspange was a world war ii german military award instituted on 25 november 1942 for participation in handtohand fighting at close quarters. Durantes book indicate about 633 known gold close combat recipients. Close combat clasp the german close combat clasp of world. Nahkampfspange is a german military award instituted on 25 november 1942 for achievement in handtohand fighting in close quarters. This concise book discusses the awards various grades and includes rare documents and warera. The close combat clasp was given in recognition of handtohand combat. The german close combat clasp of world war ii is the first edition first printing. The close combat clasp was worn above the upper left uniform pocket.
A very nice close combat clasp in bronze by agmuk with blue back plate. Awarded for 30 days unsupported close combat fighting. Closure a blog about making metal book clasps, bosses. Originally, this clasp was to be awarded to all officers and enlisted men of the german army who engaged in handtohand combat when supported by armor. Librarything is a cataloging and social networking site for booklovers. The face of courage the 98 men who received the knights cross and the closecombat clasp in gold by florian berger and publisher stackpole books nbn. The original book was used as a base but combined with some new discoveries, pieces and documentation, the new edition now counts 464 pages instead of the. Third reich free city of danzig 25 year faithful service cross. A stunningly researched and presented guide to all aspects of the close combat clasp. Close combat clasps of the german army in world war ii by rolf. Offensive and counter offensive unarmed assault and combative masters of the 20th century. Author thomas durante, well known in collector circles for his seminal book the german close combat clasp of world war ii catalogs and explains and presents on over 620 pages all manufacturers of the paratrooper badges of the heer and luftwaffe in great detail. Close combat clasp the german close combat clasp of world war.
The 98 men who received the knights cross and the closecombat clasp in. The face of courage the 98 men who received the knights cross and the close combat clasp in gold by florian berger and publisher stackpole books nbn. Click on the picture to see larger images of this item. Pre sales the german close combat clasp of world war ii by thomas durante. Durante the german close combat clasp of world war ii. Profiles of the 98 german soldiersout of millionswho received both the knights cross for extreme bravery and the closecombat clasp in gold for at least 50 days of handtohand fighting during world war ii includes soldiers from the army, luftwaffe, and waffen ss definitive reference with exciting narrative and exhaustive footnotes. Close combat clasps of the german army in world war ii by rolf michaelis and a great selection of related books, art and collectibles available now at.
Combat days were entered in the soldiers record and certified. The barrel hinge and flatwire catch are correctly recessed into the reverse and neatly soldered in the normal fashion. The gold grades were awarded by hitler and other high ranking leaders. Wwii german close combat badge this is a german wwii close combat clasp. Rolf steiner cross of iron deutsche soldaten wiki fandom. The german close combat clasp of world war ii is the 2nd edition to the first printing more than 11 years ago. The german close combat clasp of world war ii 9789081230117 by thomas durante and a great selection of similar new, used and collectible books available now at great prices. Aug 05, 2015 the close combat clasp was instituted by adolf hitler on 25 november 1942 to reward those who had been engaged in direct hand to hand fighting with the enemy. This sample is nicely marked with raised lettering.
Complete with correct flat pin and separate backing plate. After the very successful and most wanted book by thomas durante the german close combat clasp of world war ii published in 2007 we are happy to offer today the brand new second edition. The award was authorized to be presented by regimental commander or equivalent. Profiles of the 98 german soldiersout of millionswho received both the knights cross for extreme bravery and the close combat clasp in gold for at least 50 days of handtohand fighting during world war ii. Wwii german kriegsmarine blockade runner badge by schwerin. The close combat clasp was instituted by adolf hitler on 25 november 1942 to reward those who had been engaged in direct hand to hand fighting with the enemy the award was designed by artist wilhelm ernst peekhaus of berlin and consisted of a small square central motif of crossed stick grenade and. Pre sales the german close combat clasp of world war ii.
Cs1122 a close combat clasp in bronze being of mid to late war. The german close combat clasp thomas durante nahkampfspange buch. The definitive book for collectors of the paratrooper badge of the heer and luftwaffe. The clasp is complete with its original back plate and silvered pin, hinge and hook that is separately applied to the clasp. The physical appearance of the the badges was identical from class to class.
This concise book discusses the awards various grades and includes rare documents and warera photographs. This concise book discusses the awards various grades and. The gold close combat clasp, awarded for at least 50 days of handtohand fighting and often. The german close combat clasp of world war ii, by thomas m. The original book was used as a base but combined with some new discoveries, piec. Jun 01, 2009 profiles of the 98 german soldiersout of millionswho received both the knights cross for extreme bravery and the close combat clasp in gold for at least 50 days of handtohand fighting during world war ii includes soldiers from the army, luftwaffe, and waffen ss definitive reference with exciting narrative and exhaustive footnotes.
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