Awards and Decorations

Special thanks to the Cyrus A. Lee and the LSSAH (http://www.lssah.com/). The 352.Infanterie Division’s Awards and Decorations Criteria are primarily based off of their model.

This article is designed to outline the Awards and Decorations and promotion criteria of the 352.Infanterie Division.

Unlike many of the other major powers during World War II, the German soldier commonly wore their awards and decorations on their uniform into battle. In our attempt to keep as true to Wehrmacht rules and regulations as possible, the 352.ID authorizes some awards and decorations to be obtainable by our reenactors. Awards and decorations for valor, in most cases, are not obtainable. In reenacting, we are not truly putting our lives at risk; therefore, “earning” such awards would not be respectful to those who really did so during the War. When an individual earns an award, they should know its history and how it was really earned. This not only honors the German soldiers’ memory, but it allows that individual to teach others what the award is and what it means to earn it.

Individual awards and decorations in the 352.ID are earned based on an ACT/ECP (Actual Combat Time/Earned Credit Points) system. This system authorizes awards and rank advancement for active participation and attendance at authorized events and/or functions.

Awards can also be granted at the discretion of the 352.ID Commander and/or the WWII History Center’s Executive Director. This document can also be edited and updated in the future as to meet the needs of the 352.ID.

The following criteria clarify what’s required to earn awards and decorations.

A. Events/Battles – Any 352.ID approved tactical or non-tactical event for the purposes of furthering the objectives of the 352.ID. Authorized events are cleared by the 352.ID Commander and/or the WW2 History Center’s Executive Director.

B. Actual Combat Time (ACT) – Time actually spent in uniform while conducting tactical maneuvers against an armed opponent. Time spent in the conduct of guard or sentry duty at authorized functions also counts as ACT credit. One hour is equal to one ACT. Cumulative ACTs may also be applied towards ECPs for purposes of event credit. Personnel participating in authentic camping will be authorized for an additional 5 ACTs per night in the field at authorized events. ACTs cannot be earned in training events.

C. Earned Credit Points – Earned Credit Points are a means of keeping track of you activity in the 352.ID. ECPs are earned by accomplishing the following:

D. Earned Credit Points – Earned Credit Points are a means of keeping track of you activity in the 352.ID. ECPs are earned by accomplishing the following:

i. 1 ECP awarded for each 25 miles driven to an authorized event up to 500 miles.

a. For travel over 500 miles, 2 ECPs will be awarded for each 25 miles driven over 500 miles.

iv. 1 ECP awarded for staying and helping takedown equipment and loading up after an event.

v. Extra ECPs will be awarded at the discretion of the 352.ID Commander and/or the WW2 History Center’s Executive Director.

vi. ½ ECP awarded for each hour spent at a training event. The exception to this is if over 500 miles are traveled to attend the event, then the ECPs awarded for the travel over 500 miles will be counted the same. Only the time spent at a training event will earn ½ ECP per hour.

E. Leadership – Recognized demonstration of performance exceptionally above and beyond the call of duty of the Soldat’s peers, that has directly resulted in significantly improving the tactical impression or proficiency or administrative performance of his section or unit will be noted in the Soldat’s dossier, as kept by the 352.ID Commander. Such leadership shows initiative and thinking, and will be taken into consideration for promotion. Demonstration of quality supervision and control of subordinates are the two primary areas that will be evaluated for the award of any leadership decorations.

F. Service – Service or contributions which, over a period of time, clearly distinguish one Soldat over his peers. Service can be in the form of volunteer time, providing/publishing information, or providing the unit with equipment/weapons/uniforms, etc...

G. Achievement – Acts or series of acts well above the expected performance of duty or a contribution so unique or exceptional that it has an impact which significantly improves reenacting or the unit as a whole. This can include improving morale, enhancing authenticity, or improving performance or proficiency (not related to leadership).

H. Military Service – Recognition of unit members who have honorably served or are presently serving in the US Armed Forces in any component – Active, Reserve or National Guard.

The following are definitions related to the awards and decorations of the Wehrmacht:

Ribbons – A ribbon is an award in which a ribbon from the award can be sewn onto the tunic and worn through the second button hole.

Ribbon Bar – A ribbon bar can be worn to represent any medals which are normally of a Second Class nature and not authorized for wear in the second button hole of the tunic. The Iron Cross 2nd Class, Eastern Front Medal and War Service Cross 2nd Class with Swords are so authorized.

Medal – A commemorative medallion normally suspended from a ribbon and worn on more formal occasions. These are normally not for routine wear.

Badge – Normally a badge is an award of First Class nature or of a special qualification, such as the Iron Cross 1st Class or the Infantry Assault Badge.

Without Swords – Achievement or service of an administrative nature, such as a non-combatant military service or in the case of a unit award such as publishing a unit newsletter.

With Swords – Achievement or service of a combat related nature. This is actual military service or an act such as supplying weapons and/or supplies to the unit for use in tactical battles and public events.

a. Grenadier Rank The rank of Grenadier will be awarded once the Recruit proves all basic required uniform and field gear have been obtained. *The rank of Grenadier is a requirement for all other awards and decorations*.
b. Infantry Assault Badge (Infanterie Sturmabzeichen) The Infantry Assault Badge was instituted 20 Dec 1939 (Silver) and 1 June 1940 (Bronze). Requirements for Silver are participation in: ¨ 3 or more infantry assaults ¨ 3 or more infantry counter attacks ¨ 3 or more armed reconnaissance ¨ 3 or more days in restitution of combat positions ¨ Hand to hand combat in an assault position 352.ID requirements for silver: ¨ Accumulation of 50 ACTs
c. War Merit Cross with Swords (Kriegsverdienst Kreuz) The War Merit Cross 2nd and 1st Class With Swords was instituted 1 Sep 1939. Requirements are: ¨ Acts of bravery and service of a military nature that are above and beyond the call of duty, not justified for the Iron Cross 2nd Class. 352.ID requirements, 2nd Class: ¨ Accumulation of 75 ACTs (non-US Armed Forces member) or Single act during an approved tactical event that leads to great victory on the battlefield not justified for the EKII – to be determined by the individual’s group commander and/or the 352.ID Commander. 352.ID requirements, 1st Class: ¨ Accumulation of 75 ACTs (US Armed Forces member) or Single act during an approved tactical event that leads to great victory on the battlefield not justified for the EKII – to be determined by the individual’s group commander and/or the 352.ID Commander.
d. Iron Cross 2nd Class (Eisernes Kreuz II. Klasse) The Iron Cross 2nd Class was instituted 1 Sep 1939. Requirements are: ¨ Single act of bravery above and beyond call of duty 352.ID requirements: ¨ Accumulation of 100 ACTs or Single act during an approved tactical event that leads to great victory on the battlefield – to be determined by the individual’s group commander and/or the 352.ID Commander.
e. Iron Cross 1st Class (Eisernes Kreuz I. Klasse) The Iron Cross 1st Class was instituted 1 Sep 1939. Requirements are: ¨ Awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class ¨ 3-5 acts of bravery above and beyond call of duty 352.ID requirements: ¨ Awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class ¨ Accumulation of 150 ACTs or Single act during an approved tactical event that leads to great victory on the battlefield – to be determined by the individual’s group commander and/or the 352.ID Commander.
f. German Cross in Silver (Kriegsorden den Deutschen Kreuzes) The German Cross in Silver was instituted 28 Sep 1941. Requirements are: ¨ Awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class ¨ Repeated acts above and beyond the call of duty – awarded for service more than for valor. 352.ID requirements: ¨ Awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class ¨ Action in a tactical event that go far above the call of duty, and separates the individual significantly from his peers. or Providing significantly to the 352.ID. This can be equipment, operable weapons or operable vehicles for use in tactical battles and/or public displays. To be determined by the 352.ID Commander.
g. Close Combat Clasp (Nahkampfspange) The Close Combat Clasp was instituted 25 Nov 1942. Bronze Requirements are: ¨ Participate in 15 days hand-to-hand combat or Participation in 10 days close combat Silver Requirements are: ¨ Participate in 30 days hand-to-hand combat or Participation in 20 days close combat Gold Requirements are: ¨ Participate in 50 days hand-to-hand combat or Participation in 40 days close combat 352.ID requirements for Bronze: ¨ Accumulation of 175 ACTs 352.ID requirements for Silver: ¨ Accumulation of 250 ACTs 352.ID requirements for Gold: ¨ Accumulation of 450 ACTs
h. Wound Badge (Verwundetenabzeichen) The Wound Badge was instituted 1 Sep 1939. Black Requirements are: ¨ Wounded 1-2 times in fighting or an air raid or Wounded by frostbit in the line of duty Silver Requirements are: ¨ Wounded 3-4 times in fighting or an air raid or Serious injury in the line of duty Gold Requirements are: ¨ Wounded 5 times or more in fighting or an air raid or Extremely serious injury in the line of duty or Death in the line of duty 352.ID requirements for Black: ¨ 1 injury obtained during tactical event requiring doctor’s treatment. 352.ID requirements for Silver: ¨ 2 injuries obtained during tactical ma event requiring doctor’s treatment. 352.ID requirements for Gold: ¨ 3 or more injuries obtained during tactical event requiring doctor’s treatment or Serious injury, at the discretion of the 352.ID Commander
i. Tank Destruction Badge (Das Sonderabzeichen für das Niederkämpfen von Panzer-kampfwagen durch Einzelkämpfer) The Tank Destruction Badge was instituted 9 Mar 1942 (Silver) and 18 Dec 1943 (Gold) Silver Requirements are: ¨ Single handedly destroy an enemy tank with a hand held weapon Gold Requirements are: ¨ Single handedly destroy 5 enemy tanks with a hand held weapon 352.ID requirements for Silver: ¨ Single handedly destroy or capture 1 enemy tank or 3 armored vehicles without being captured or killed. Must be verified by two 352.ID witnesses. Max = 4 badges 352.ID requirements for Gold: ¨ Single handedly destroy or capture 5 enemy tank or 15 armored vehicles without being captured or killed. Must be verified by two 352.ID witnesses. Max = 1 badge, 4 Silver Tank Destruction Badges must be removed
j. Driver’s Service Badge (Kraftfahr- Bewährungsabzeichen) The Driver’s Service Badge was instituted 23 Oct 1942. Requirements are: ¨ Driver of a military vehicle in a military campaign after 1 Dec 1940. 352.ID requirements for bronze: ¨ Driver of a military vehicle at three separate, approved tactical events. 352.ID requirements for silver: ¨ Provide a usable vehicle to the 352.ID.
k. West Wall Medal (Deutsches Schutzwall-Ehrenzeichen) The West Wall Medal was instituted 2 Aug 1939 for West Wall defenses, and reissued 10 Oct 1944. Requirements are: ¨ Participation in building the fortifications along the Western Front before May 1940, and for work on the Atlantik Wall after Oct 1944 352.ID requirements: ¨ Participation in 20 or more hours of building/construction of permanent structures on the WWII History Center’s Battlefield.
l. Medal for the Winter Campaign in Russia 1941-42 (Medaille Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42) Also known as the East Front Medal. The East Front Medal was instituted 26 May 1942. Requirements are: ¨ Participation in 14 days combat ¨ Serving 60 days in the combat zone ¨ Serving 30 days in the combat zone for Luftwaffe personnel ¨ Being wounded on the line between 15 Nov 1941 and 26 Apr 1942 or receiving frostbite 352.ID requirements: ¨ Participation in 5 or more battles against Russian Forces. or Participation in an extremely cold tactical event against Russian Forces – up to the discretion of the 352.ID Commander.

This category of awards and decorations recognizes members of the 352.ID for advanced participation – ECPs in excess of 600 points. Two categories have been set up to allow Category A members (age 39 and under) to wear Third Reich era awards, and to allow Category B veterans (age 40 and over) to wear World War I period awards.

600 ECPs A. Czech/Sudetenland Annexation Medal (Die Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 1. Oktober 1938) Instituted on 18 Oct 1938. Requirements are: ¨ Marched into the Sudetenland during the Annexation or Part of the occupying force in Czechoslovakia on 15 Mar 1939 B. Silesian Eagle (Schleischer Adler) Instituted on 16 June 1919. Requirements are: ¨ Participated in the defense of Silesia
800 ECPs A. Memel Medal (Die Medaille zur Erinnerung an die Heimkerhr des Memllandes 22. März 1939) Instituted on 1 May 1939. Requirements are: ¨ Marched into the District of Memel during the Annexation B. Baltic Cross (Baltisches Kreuz) Instituted on 1919. Requirements are: ¨ Participated in at least 3 months of fighting with the Freikorps in the Baltic area (1919)
1000 ECPs A. Anschluss Medal (Die Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 13. März 1938) Instituted on 13 Mar 1938. Requirements are: ¨ Marched into the Austria during the Annexation or Austrian forces absorbed into the Wehrmacht B. Bavarian Military Merit Cross (Militär-Verdienstkreuz) Instituted on 19 July 1866. Requirements are: ¨ Enlisted soldier witnessed performing brave acts or military merit
1400 ECPs A. Honor Roll Clasp of the Army (Ehrenblatt des Heeres) Instituted on 30 Jan 1944. Requirements are: ¨ Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class or ¨ Act of bravery above and beyond the call of duty, not justified by the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross or the German Cross in Gold or ¨ Single appreciation record from the supreme commander of the Heer or ¨ Inclusion in the Honor Roll of the German Army B. Honor Cross (Ehrenkreuz für Frontkämpfer) Instituted on 13 July 1934. Requirements are: ¨ Participation in the Great War

Wehrmacht Long Service Awards are authorized for prior or present military service in the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, or Reserve/National Guard units of these branches. This award will be eligible to those veterans and those still serving after they are an active Grenadier with the 352.ID for a continuous 6 months. The awards are as follows:

The following section lists a number of awards and decorations currently being awarded by U.S. Armed Forces and an equivalent award from the German Armed Forces of WW2.

Additional civilian or military acquired skills may qualify for a German equivalency award. Issuance of any other awards not covered in this model must be reviewed and approved by the 352.ID Commander on a case by case basis.

The 352.ID Commander will notify the individual up for an award in person, by means of email, or by phone. The 352.ID Commander will inform the individual that they are eligible for the award and what action the individual took to become eligible for such an award. The Commander will then ask if the individual accepts the award. The individual is free to decline an award. If the individual accepts, the 352.ID Commander will clear the award through the WWII History Center’s Executive Director, and the award will be noted in the individual’s dossier.

The individual will then be notified that the award has been recorded, and they are free to find and order the award. DO NOT order the award before this notification. Each member of the 352.ID is responsible for finding and purchasing their own awards. Refer to the Links section of the website as to find vendors who sell original and/or reproduction awards and decorations. Once they have received the award, if they would like, the 352.ID Commander will present the award to the individual in front of the entire unit at the next unit gathering.

Awards are worn on the wearer’s left breast pocket with the highest award centered on the pocket. Lesser awards are worn on the bottom of the pocket with the most prestigious to the wearer’s right (nearest the heart). Pinback awards are normal worn suspended from small loops, not pushed trough the uniform fabric. Close Combat Clasps are worn above the left pocket above the bar of awards ribbons. The Iron Cross, War Merit Cross and Eastern Front Medals ribbons taken directly from the award can be worn without a bar inserted through the second button hole and sewn behind the tunic flap. The most prestigious is worn most exposed. The order of precedence is: Iron Cross; War Merit Cross; Eastern Front Medal.

Each member of the 352.ID may earn as many awards as is possible. However, to avoid looking like a Field Marshall when you are only an Obergrenadier or a Gefreiter, the number of awards to be worn at any one time at any event will be limited to three, not to include ribbons. Exceptions to this rule must be cleared through the 352.ID Commander.

Also, on the other hand, because you earn an award does not mean that you have to buy and/or wear it if you do not want to.

Members caught wearing awards that they have not earned will be disciplined, as seen fit by the 352.ID Commander and/or the WWII History Center Executive Director. Disciplinary action can take the form of the stripping of all previously earned awards and/or demotion in rank.

The promotion of rank is a privilege, and not a right. After a Recruit has obtained all required uniform items and field gear, he will be promoted to the rank of Grenadier. Further promotions are dependent on the activity level, knowledge, leadership ability, dedication and desire of the Soldat to advance in rank. Promotion to any rank will be based upon these criteria and a need for their rank within the 352.ID. The size of the 352.ID will dictate how many of each rank will be needed. Unit members who show potential for promotion will be evaluated by the following characteristics:

¨ Good attendance at unit meetings, loading/unloading sessions and training sessions

U.S. Armed Forces Award	German Award
Congressional Medal of Honor	Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves
Silver Star w/ V Device Distinguished Service Cross Distinguished Service Medal	Knight’s Cross
Distinguished Flying Cross Legion of Merit Silver Star	War Order of the German Cross
Bronze Star w/ V Device Combat Infantryman Badge (x2)	Close Combat Clasp in Silver
Meritorious Service Medal Bronze Star Soldier Medal	Iron Cross 1st Class
Vietnam Service Medal Southwest Asia Service Medal Good Conduct Medal Army Achievement Medal National Defense Service Medal	War Merit Cross with Swords 1st Class
Purple Heart	Wound Badge
Expert Infantryman’s Badge Ranger Tab Amphibious Reconnaissance USMC Mountain Warfare Leader USMC Combat Infantryman’s Badge	Infantry Assault Badge in Bronze
Military Service in Africa, Middle East	AFRIKA Cuff Title (Commemorative)
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal	Anti-Partisan Guerrilla Warfare Badge in Bronze