Awards and Medals
There will be no concrete system for the presentation of any award, medal or decoration. Our method for presentation is as unique as the award itself. We have tried to match the method of obtaining all awards close to the original criteria of earning each award. Any award or honor device given to a unit member must first be approved by the unit command, and exceptions may only be made to any standards by command discretion.
It is the unit commander’s sole discretion whether members are eligible for awards, and command will notify a member if he or she meets award criteria.
Though there are obviously other awards and devices utilized during the war, the following includes the list utilized by this unit.
Once a medal or device is authorized for wear by a member, it is said member’s responsibility to purchase that item for his or her own impression. Any devices worn on the uniform must meet quality and accuracy standards like any other uniform item. Should a device fail basic quality approval, it is the member’s same responsibility to acquire an item meeting standards. Experienced members can be consulted for recommended vendors for these items.
INFANTRY ASSAULT BADGE
Attendance at a certain number of events, both public and tactical, with the unit after completion of the probationary period. Member must demonstrate excellent standards of combat and historical knowledge, active event participation, and good conduct .
Grades of Award: Silver – Participation in the unit for an entire year, with a minimum of 5 events attended, following the completion of the probationary period
EASTERN FRONT RIBBON
Awarded for attendance at a certain number of Eastern Front tactical battles. Ribbon (to be worn through the button hole without medal): 12 Ostfront events
Why this is hard to get, an explanation for the uninformed: The Ostfront Ribbon was awarded only for combat action on the Russian front during Operation Barbarossa, Fall 1941 – Spring 1942 AND required recipients serve specific amounts of time or receive certain injuries. That’s it, period. This would mean that not everyone had one, as transfers, temporary assignments, and casualties would affect the number of people wearing this ribbon, especially as the war progressed.
SS LONG SERVICE AWARD
Awarded for active participation in the reenactment hobby for a certain number of years (4, 8, etc.). This award will be verified and authorized at command discretion.
WOUND BADGE
Authorized for wear by a member as a notation for receiving injuries requiring medical attention at reenactments, OR documented donation of blood outside the hobby. Command may determine the eligibility of wounds received.
Grades of Award: Black – 2 injuries received at a reenactment, or documented donation of 1 gallon of blood;
Silver – 5 injuries received at a reenactment, or documented donation of 2 gallons of blood;
Gold – Dismemberment, loss of vision, loss of hearing, paralysis or death (in which case, the award will be given posthumously) as a direct result of reenactment, or documented donation of 5 gallons of blood
TANK DESTRUCTION BADGE
Single-handed destruction of enemy tracked or armored vehicle (does not include Jeeps, weapons carriers, trucks, or any other soft-skinned wheeled vehicle). Occurrence must be during a tactical event, and be independently confirmed, with approval by the unit commanding officer. Member receiving this badge must have acted alone or in cooperation with one other person. Destruction must occur without support of heavy artillery or other weapons designed to accomplish this task.
Grades of Award:Silver – Destruction of 1 tracked vehicle;
Gold – Destruction of 5 or more tracked vehicles
WAR MERITS CROSS
Awarded for exceptional initiative or contribution to the unit OUTSIDE of a battle scenario, including “real-life” activities that provide a great service to the unit. Class of medal authorized for wear is dependent on the nature and impact of a member’s actions, or frequency of acts. Command discretion only.
Grades of Award: 2nd Class, 1st Class, 1st Class w/Swords
IRON CROSS
Awarded for acts showing exceptional initiative, risk, courage, and benefit in a tactical battle situation. Participation in public event battles does not count towards receipt of this award due to their highly structured nature and limited timeframe.
Grades of Award: 2nd class – This is the only form of Iron Cross that will be authorized for wear by unit members. Exceptions may be made under extremely rare circumstances at command discretion. This especially includes the following: Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross – Literally and actually save a life at a reenactment. This is a prestigious and rare award, so it will be given out as such.
Qualification Badges
Qualification badges are the only decorations that can be specifically earned by a unit member. These can be given for activities or skills in the reenactment environment, or outside life. If a member wishes to pursue one of these badges, he is expected to consult with the unit commanding officer for approval prior to attempts. Once agreed upon standards are met, the unit member will gain authorization to purchase and wear the appropriate badge. The standards below may be altered slightly at command’s discretion. Only ONE qualification badge is authorized for use at one time by a member; should the member be eligible for multiple badges, Command will discuss which shall be worn with the member. Diamond-shaped badges shall be placed on the lower right-hand sleeve, 15 cm above the cuff.
SNIPER BADGE
3rd Class: Awarded once an approved unit member acquires an appropriate sniper rifle
2nd & 1st Class: Awarded for acquisition of a specific number of “kills” while sniping. Must be verified by an assigned spotter. Command will have details on acquisition of these classes of badge and recording kills.
SHARPSHOOTER
Authorized for wear by members who have achieved Sharpshooter or Expert in Military or Police sanctioned range activities. Also awarded to members who place in Civilian Marksman competitions. Must provide documentation for either scenario, which will then be verified by command for applicability.
EX-POLICE
Currently or formerly serving as a police officer on the local, county or state level, or as a current or former MP. Must provide documentation.
SS SPORTS BADGE
Awarded to members who letter in sports in high school or college. Members may also be eligible for this award should they take it upon themselves to acquire the SS Sports Uniform, and participate actively at events in this uniform in a sporting activity excluding drill.
SIGNALS
Awarded to the unit member participating in the Signals detachment to Der Führer. Members must have acquired extensive kit and show exceptional knowledge of the specialty, as well as be able to perform communications duties consistently in the field. Authorized for use only on command recommendation.
ARMORER
Authorized for use by the unit’s Waffenmeister. The person holding this title must have and display an assortment of weaponry (aside from standard rifles), and have a functional knowledge of weapon troubleshooting and repair.
ENGINEER
Awarded to a unit member who takes a special initiative in constructing and supplying the unit with secondary tools or weaponry. Items manufactured by this member must show imagination and engineering knowledge in construction, with accuracy in appearance. Member must bring consumable items on a regular basis to events. Awarded on Command recommendation.
MEDIC
Serving with command approval as the unit Sanitat or assisting medical personnel. Member must acquire the specialty uniform and other insignia, as well as a full kit, and demonstrate active medical action in the field. Also awarded to personnel who are in real-life Doctors, Nurses, EMTs, or related Medical Personnel with Command Approval.