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Kampfgruppe Steiner Awards System (updated FEB 2017)
Scope/Purpose: To provide members with a system of recognition for
participation/attendance, historically ‘realistic’ impressions and meritorious action on behalf of
the unit. This award system seeks to enhance the experience of the unit by rewarding realistic
action and paralleling the requirements and criteria for awards during WWII. Awards will be
worn in line with “historical common sense” and are not intended to be overrepresented or
unrealistic. Finally, as in the German Army, awards are a measure of what individual soldiers
have accomplished during their experiences as well as simultaneously enhancing the collective
unit impression.
Categories:
1) Earned/Participatory Awards – Awards that can be earned for participation or direct
contribution in unit supported events. Members are eligible to earn these awards AFTER
being voted into the unit. Generally, these awards will parallel their actual historical
counterparts, if possible.
2) Historical/Impression-Based Awards – Awards in this grouping will be approved for wear
on the basis of individual impression criteria that “makes sense” for the soldier to have
in order to better portray the character he has developed. The intent is to provide depth
to individual impressions. These awards will require approval from unit leadership and
will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
3) Performance/Meritorious Awards – These awards will require nominations based on
superior performance, meritorious action at a particular event or exemplary service to
the unit over a period of time. Any member may nominate another member for a
Performance Award (some requiring unit leadership nomination), but the Unit Field
Commander is responsible for confirming the nomination and bringing it to a unit vote
for final approval.
Earned/Participatory Awards and Criteria:
Deutsches Reichsportabzeichen (KGS Sportabzeichen) –
(1). The KG Steiner Sports Badge will be awarded based upon the results of a 4 part test in the
spirit of the Reichsportabzeichen that combines both aspects of sport and common physical
tasks required during extended tactical reenactment. It is intended to encourage physical
fitness in the unit, and while not required for membership, all members should strive to earn
their sports badge in order to achieve the proper presence required to better portray a German
soldier of WWII.
(2). See the applicable Kampfgruppe Steiner unit regulations for this award.
Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen (Silber/Bronze)(Infantry Assault Badge)–
(1). Historically awarded to "recognize combat action as an infantryman on December 20, 1939.
Awarded by the Army commander-in-chief upon the recommendation of the infantry company
commander… [Silver*] Will be awarded to officers, NCO’s, and enlisted men of rifle companies
not in Motorized Infantry Divisions…who from January 1, 1940 completed the following:”
(1a). “Combat in three assaults,”
(1b). “in the front lines,”
(1c). “armed with hand weapons during assault,”
(1d). “on three different combat days.”
“The badge is awarded for counter- assaults, assaults of particular importance, patrols and
patrolling activities resulting in combat and hand-to-hand combat. Criteria also include the
soldier or individual personally and single-handedly destroying an enemy tank.”
(2). Awarded after soldier has met all uniform and equipment requirements, earned the rank of
Grenadier, and participated with the unit in three (3) combat reenactments (events with an
“enemy” force present) following being voted into the unit as a full member.
* The Bronze version will be awarded interchangeably/concurrently and shall be deemed
appropriate for portrayal of Motorized Infantry/Panzergrenadier Divisions depending on event
and unit impression.
Allgemeine-Sturmabzeichen (General Assault Badge)–
(1). General von Brauchitsch instituted the General Assault Badge on January 1 st, 1940. The
badge was to be awarded to those German soldiers who participated in infantry attacks but
were not part of infantry units and therefore did not qualify for the Infantry Assault Badge in
either Silver or Bronze.
(2). The General Assault Badge shall be awarded under the same criteria as the Infantry Assault
Badge, however only members who portray non-Infantry personnel (artillery, pioneers, antitank, medical, etc.) are eligible to wear this award under the same conditions as the Infantry
Assault Badge.
Panzerkampfabzeichen (Bronze) (Panzer Assault Badge)–
(1). The Wehrmacht Tank Battle badge was introduced on December 20, 1939, in order to
recognize the achievements of Panzer personnel who took part in armored assaults. It was
instituted by order of General von Brauchitsh. On June 6th, 1940, a separate class of the badge,
in Bronze, was added in order to recognize the crews of armored vehicles other than tanks (half
tracks, assault guns, etc). The award criteria were as follows:
(1a). “To have taken part in three armored assaults in three different days,”
(1b). “To have been wounded in the course of an assault,”
(1c). “To have earned a bravery decoration in the course of an assault.”
(1d). The Silver class was presented to tank commanders, gunners or radio operators
while the Bronze class was presented to the Panzer-Grenadier regiments, tank assault
crew, armored recon units, and medical personnel who went into battle in armored
vehicles. The award was authorized through the Panzer Division commander.
(2). The Bronze Panzer Assault Badge shall be awarded to soldiers in the role of Panzer
Grenadier, who participate in three (3) combat reenactments in cooperation with armored
vehicles. It shall also be awarded to soldiers who participate in three (3) combat reenactments
as an armored vehicle crewman.
Nahkampfspange (Bronze/Silber) (Close Combat Clasp) –
(1). Historically awarded starting November 25, 1942, by Hitler, in recognition of the courage of
the German soldier in hand-to-hand combat. The Close Combat Bade was awarded for hand-tohand combat; completely independent from the Infantry Assault and requiring different
criteria. The Close Combat Badge was awarded in three grades (Bronze, Silver and Gold) based
on the number of combat days a soldier fought. Criteria for close combat days were as follows:
(1a). “All combat days on which the soldier had the opportunity to be close enough to
‘see the white of the enemy’s eyes,’ use close combat weapons, to assault the enemy
man-to-man and be victorious.”
(1b.) “Also counted are days during which the soldier was a part of a major attack or
assault, reconnaissance attack, defending a forward position, or a single messenger run,
as well as an enemy reconnaissance attack.
(1c.) “The area- at a combat outpost in the front area, on the main battle line, at an
artillery firing position, in the rear army areas (i.e. attack by partisan groups), or an
enemy attack on a hospital train or supply column, all are criteria for consideration.
(1d). The initial combat days were established taking into account the uninterrupted
time of engagement on the Eastern Front or Africa since June 22 of 1941:
15 months = 15 combat days
12 months = 10 combat days
8 months = 5 combat days
(1e). When the recipient was awarded the Close Combat Clasp in Bronze, he also
automatically was awarded the Iron Cross II Class, if it had not been awarded
previously.**
(2). The Close Combat Clasp in Bronze shall be awarded for participation in fifteen (15)
independent combat reenactments, or upon earning 30 tactical credits. The Silver Clasp shall be
awarded for thirty (30) independent combat events, or upon earning 60 tactical credits. Due to
the historically small numbers of Gold claps awarded (<1000), this grade is not available for
award/wear as part of KGS. **In order to represent this practice of simultaneous award of the
Iron Cross with the Close Combat Clasp in Bronze, the soldier (if not already possessing this
award) will be automatically nominated for the Iron Cross II Class to be confirmed by a majority
unit vote.
Armelband ‘Afrika’ (‘Afrika’ Cufftitle)(1). The AFRIKA cufftitle was instituted on 15 January 1943 per Allgemeine Heeresmitteilungen
No. 60, dated 27 January 1943. To be eligible, a member had to have served in North Africa for
at least six months. However, if the individual was wounded in action, the six-month time
requirement need not apply. Although instituted 15 January 1943, it is unlikely that more than
a handful of awards were issued in North Africa before the general surrender on 6 May 1943
and the final capitulation on 13 May. However, in the eighteen months that followed the end of
the North African campaign, the approximately 100,000 men who had served in the theater and
were located in Europe at the time of the surrender were tracked down by the OKW and, those
eligible, received the award. These men were, for the most part, wounded or ill veterans who
had by this time been transferred to other units in other theaters.
(2). The ‘Afrika’ cufftitle shall be awarded to soldiers who participate in three (3) North Africa
themed-events or earn a total of six (6) tactical/battle credits portraying elements of the
Deutsches Afrikakorps (DAK) from 1941-1943.
Italo-German Afrika Campaign Medal –
(1). This campaign medal was instituted by the Italian Government to reward the achievements
of Rommel’s Afrikakorps. The medal was awarded only to German troops and the first
presentations took place in 1942. The award was presented to members of the DAK for
participation in the Africa campaign. Since Italy was an Axis Ally, German soldiers were allowed
to wear the award, but there were no regulations specifying a particular method. Following
Italy’s withdrawal from the war and subsequent surrender, the wear of all Italian awards was
prohibited in orders distributed dated March 29th, 1944. Specific mention is made of the ItaloGerman Campaign Medal.
(2). The Italo-German Campaign Medal shall be awarded to soldiers who participate in three (3)
events portraying elements of the Deutsches Afrikakorps (DAK) from 1941-1943. *Note, this
award shall not be worn in events taking place after 29 March, 1944.
‘Ostmedaille’ (Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42) –
(1). Historically awarded to “honor the heroic campaigns against the Bolshevik enemy during
the winter of 1941/42.” Commonly Known as "Ostmedaille" (East Medal) or "Russian Front
Medal" this award was introduced on the 26th of May 1942 to recognize those who
participated in the first winter of Operation Barbarossa between November 15, 1941 and April
26, 1942. The award criteria for the Eastern Winter Campaign Medal are:
(1a). “A minimum of 14 days participation in combat.”
(1b). “Receiving wounds or frostbite which qualified for the Wound Badge.”
(1c). “60 days uninterrupted service in the combat zone.”
(2). The ‘Ostmedaille’ shall be awarded to soldiers who while portraying appropriate Heer units,
earn seven (7) battle credits from attending Eastern Front events that take place from
November 1941, to April 1942. Soldiers who attended the 2009 “Drive on Stalingrad” are also
qualified/eligible to wear this medal. *Note: This award may also qualify for the
Historical/Impression-Based Award guidance on an individual basis and is subject to leadership
approval for wear.
Campaign Shields: Krim, Demjansk, Kuban–
(1). Historically awarded in recognition for service during the particular campaign.
(1a). The Krim Shield was instituted on July 7th, 1942, and was to commemorate the
German advance into the Crimea led by General von Manstein.
(1b). The Demjansk Shield was instituted on April 25th, 1943, to commemorate those
troops who fought in the Demjansk pocket during 1942.
(1c). The Kuban Shield was instituted on the 21st of September 1943, to honor those
who were fighting to preserve the bridgeheads in the Kuban region.
(2). These will be the only campaign shields awarded to members of Kampfgruppe Steiner who
attend and participate in the corresponding specifically-themed Eastern Front Event.
Notification for qualifying events will be provided by unit leadership prior to the event.
*Note, as currently, the Kampfgruppe Steiner does not portray units that historically
participated in these campaigns; eligibility for wear of the earned campaign shield will be on an
individual basis, subject to both unit leadership approval and unit majority vote confirmation.
116.Pz.Div ‘Windhund’ Cap Badge (1). The ‘Windhund’ Cap badge was created by the 116th Panzer Division as a distinctive unit
identifier and was worn on the left side of field caps.
(2). The ‘Windhund’ Cap badge shall be awarded to soldiers who participate in three (3) Late
War Western Front themed-events or earn a total of five (5) unit credits portraying elements of
the 116th Panzer Division from 1944-1945.
Tank Destruction Badge –
(1). The Tank Destruction Badge was instituted by Hitler on March 9, 1942 to honor individuals
who single handedly destroyed an enemy tank with hand held explosives. This award was made
retroactive to the beginning of the invasion of the Soviet Union (June 22, 1941). The badge was
historically awarded for "single handed destruction of an enemy tank or armored vehicle with
only hand held weapons (hand grenade, panzerfaust, satchel charge etc.). For every destroyed
tank a special badge will be awarded.”
(2). The Tank Destruction Badge shall be awarded to soldiers who single-handedly destroy an
enemy armored vehicle with a hand-held weapon (hand grenade, panzerfaust/panzershrek,
satchel charge etc.), at close range and survive the action. This must be witnessed by at least
two other members/participants who can confirm the kill to unit leadership.
Schützenschnur –
(1). The Wehrmacht Schützenschnur was introduced at first on 29th June 1936 by the
Oberkommando der Heeres (OKH) and was made in four grades (Stufe 1-4). Enlisted
Infantrymen (incl. Mountain, Motorized, Paratroops etc.) and Artillerymen were eligible for
earning this award based on marksmanship proficiency/qualification with rifle or light
machinegun. On 17th October 1938 a second version was introduced, containing 12 grades.
Enlisted Infantrymen, Artillerymen, and Armored Soldiers were eligible for this version of the
award.
(2). In order to earn this award as a part of Kampfgruppe Steiner, a soldier must qualify in LIVE
FIRE conditions with three (3) infantry weapons: The K98 Mauser Rifle, MG34/42 light machine
gun and both the Model 39 Eihandgranate and the Model 24/43 Stielhandgranate hand
grenades. Qualification for this award may be completed only during sanctioned unit events.
Long Service Medal/Ribbon (4 and 8 Years) –
(1). Reinstated after the reinstitution of conscription in Germany on 16 th March 1936, all
members of the Wehrmacht were eligible for this award that rewarded time of service.
(2). The Long Service Medal shall be awarded to members who maintain their membership and
meet all unit requirements in Kampfgruppe Steiner for the corresponding period of time (4 and
8 years respectively).
Historical/Impression-Based Awards and Criteria:
`Verwundetenabzeichen‘ Wound Badge (Black, Silver and Gold) –
(1). Historically, this badge was first awarded by Kaiser Wilhelm II on 3 March 1918 to soldiers
of the Imperial German Army who had suffered frostbite or received wounds in action. It was
intended to serve "as a mark of honor for all who have risked their lives for the Fatherland and
have been wounded or maimed." The badge was awarded in three grades, Black, Silver and
Gold with the following criteria:
(1a). Black (3rd class), awarded for those wounded once or twice by hostile action
(including air raids), or frostbitten in the line of duty.
(1b). Silver (2nd class) awarded for being wounded three or four times, or suffering loss
of a hand, foot or eye from hostile action (also partial loss of hearing), facial
disfigurement or brain damage as a result of hostile action.
(1c). Gold (1st class, which could be awarded posthumously) awarded for suffering five
or more wounds, total blindness, "loss of manhood", or severe brain damage as a result
of hostile actions.
(2). Since the wound badge is not an award Kampfgruppe Steiner wishes to actively encourage
ACTUALLY earning, but still desires to represent the award amongst the collective unit
impression, members will be eligible for this award on an individual impression basis and the
following criteria (if applicable):
(2a). Any member with prior military service who has received a Purple Heart medal (or
any foreign equivalent) for wounds suffered in/related to combat, shall be automatically
eligible for this badge in the appropriate grade should they desire to wear it.
(2b). Wound badges shall also be awarded for actual injuries sustained at events that
require medical attention beyond basic first aid (i.e. Hospital/ER). The severity/ and
number of injuries will determine the grade. *Note: Again, Kampfgruppe Steiner DOES
NOT encourage members to actively try to earn Wound Badges!
Austrian Anschluss/Sudetenland/Return of Memel Commemorative Medals –
(1). Historically awarded to commemorate the three historic occupations of territories which
were to become part of Hitler’s “Greater German Reich” and led in part to the outbreak of
WWII. This series of medals were also known as the “Flower War” medals. These medals were
awarded for the following criteria:
(1a). The March 13, 1938 Commemorative Medal (Austria): Instituted on May 1, 1938,
the medal commemorated the return of Hitler’s homeland to the German Reich. The
medal, known as the first "Anschluss medal", was awarded to all those Austrians who
contributed to or participated in the annexation as well as the members of the Austrian
NSDAP. It was also awarded to German State officials and members of the German
Wehrmacht and SS who marched into Austria. Presentations stopped on December 13,
1940, at which time 318,689 had been awarded.
(1b). The October 1, 1938 Commemorative Medal (Sudetenland): The Medal
commemorating the return of the Sudetenland to Germany was authorized on October
18, 1938. It was presented to all those who participated in the annexation, as well as the
troops who marched into the Sudetenland. It was also presented to all those who later
participated in the creation of the protectorates of Bohemia and Moravia. Awarding of
the medal was stopped on December 1, 1939, with a total 1,162,617 medals and
134,563 Bars (to be worn as part of a formal grouping) presented.
(1c). The Return of Memel Commemorative Medal: The award was presented to all
military, political and civil Personnel who had distinguished themselves in actions
related to the returning of the district to Germany. Awards stopped at the end of 1940,
with a total of 31,322 having been presented.
(2). These medals shall be awarded to soldiers who, based on individual impression can justify
participating in historical events that would have qualified them to be presented these awards.
These awards will require approval from unit leadership and will be assessed on a case-by-case
basis.
West Wall Medal/Ribbon –
(1). Historically, his award was instituted on August 2nd, 1939, to recognize those who designed
and built the fortifications on Germany's western borders as well as the troops who were
stationed there prior to May 1940. The awarding of this medal stopped on January 31, 1941, at
which time 622,064 had been awarded.
(2). This medal shall be awarded to soldiers who, based on individual impression, can justify
meeting the criteria for the award. This award will require approval from unit leadership and
will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Eiserneskreuz II./I. Klasse (1914) mit 1939 Spange –
(1). The 1939 Spange of the Iron Cross was awarded to those soldiers who received either of
the first two classes of the Iron Cross in World War I, and who were eligible to be awarded for
either again in the Second World War.
(2). The 1914 Iron Cross/1939 Clasp shall be awarded to soldiers who, based on individual
impression, can justify meeting the criteria for the award. Soldiers must be of an “eligible age”
to have likely participated in the First World War and earned their 1914 Iron Cross of either, or
both classes. This award will require approval from unit leadership and will be assessed on a
case-by-case basis. *Note: Soldiers desiring to wear ONLY the 1914 Iron Cross Second Class or
First Class may be eligible to earn the 1939 clasp if they are nominated to receive the 1939 Iron
Cross (in either applicable class) as a performance/meritorious award. The justification for the
1914 Iron Cross must also be “age appropriate.” This guidance also applies to other WWI-era
awards if desired.
Performance/Meritorious Awards and Criteria:
Kriegsverdienstkreuz (KVK) II./I. Klasse (War Merit Cross 2./1. Class) (1). The War Merit Cross without Swords was awarded for general meritorious actions. Military
personnel who qualified for the War Merit Cross in an administrative, medical, or some other
service away from the front line received this award, as did civilians whose contributions were
of significant importance to the war effort.
(2). The War Merit Cross 2./1. Class shall be awarded to soldiers for meritorious service to the
unit outside of combat scenarios. Nomination for award shall be at the discretion of the unit
administrative leadership (President/Vice President, Authenticity Officer, or any other non-field
unit leader positions). The first class will be awarded for subsequent actions and only soldiers
who are holders of the second class are eligible. Award criteria for the first class will be
generally the same as the second class but for repeated actions.
Kriegsverdienstkreuz (KVK) II./I. Klasse mit Schwertern (War Merit Cross 2./1. Class
w/Swords) (1). The War Merit Cross with Swords recognized those military men whose acts of courage
were above the call of duty, yet did not meet the criteria for the Iron Cross. These acts could
either be in the form of bravery (usually not under direct enemy fire) or the planning/leading of
combat operations. All members of the military were eligible without distinction to rank, and
allied soldiers were also equally eligible.
(2). The War Merit Cross with Swords shall be presented to soldiers for meritorious actions or
exceptional performance during tactical reenactments, but yet do not meet the criteria for the
Iron Cross. Nominations shall be at the discretion of the unit field commander/unit leadership
and allied soldiers shall also be eligible for the award. The first class will be awarded for
subsequent actions and only soldiers who are holders of the second class are eligible. Award
criteria for the first class will be generally the same as the second class but for repeated actions.
Eiserneskreuz II. Klasse (Iron Cross 2. Class) –
(1). First instituted by Prussia’s King Friedrich Wilhelm III on March 10, 1813, the Iron Cross was
intended as a temporary award for efforts against Napoleon. Three classes of the award were
created; Second, First and Grand Cross with the awarding process supposedly blind to Prussia’s
then very class conscious society. This non-distinction of social rank is what set the Iron Cross
apart from contemporary awards issued by other royal houses. It was considered that a general
and private both affected the outcome of a battle, parted only by their individual realms of
responsibility. This rare logic of the time dictated that the Iron Cross would be awarded
democratically, with all ranks eligible for a one-in-the-same class of awards. On September 1,
1939, Adolf Hitler reinstituted the Iron Cross in its original three classes; with the addition of
the Knight’s Cross. The official criteria for the award were:
(1a). “a single act of bravery in the face of the enemy,”
(1b). or “actions that were clearly above and beyond the call of duty.”
(2). This award shall be presented to soldiers who perform above and beyond the call of duty
during tactical reenactments or who contribute decisively to the unit’s success in a particularly
significant way during reenacted combat scenarios. Any member of Kampfgruppe Steiner may
nominate another member (or any member of an allied unit) but this nomination must be
confirmed and brought to unit vote by the acting unit field commander/ranking leader.
Confirmation voting for the award requires a majority of members present to vote in favor of
the nomination.
Eiserneskreuz I. Klasse (Iron Cross 1. Class) –
(1). The 1st Class of the Iron Cross was presented more scarcely, and logically held a
correspondingly higher level of stature than the Second Class. In order to receive the Iron Cross
1st Class, Heer and Waffen SS men would have to perform three to four further acts of courage
further from the one that earned him the 2nd Class. Of course these were only guidelines, and
a single act of great importance or a long steady career could earn the individual the Cross.
Between 300,000 and 575,000 Iron Cross 1st Class were awarded during World War II.
(2). Soldiers will be eligible to receive this award after being nominated for qualifying action(s)
once they have previously earned the Iron Cross Second Class. Generally the same criteria for
nomination apply, and the Iron Cross First Class is only awarded to holders of the Second Class
for subsequent actions. Upon nomination, the unit field commander will be responsible for
bringing the award to a unit vote requiring a majority in favor for confirmation.
Kriegsorden des Deustchen Kreuzes (German Cross in Gold) –
(1). Historically, The German Cross (Kriegsorden) was created on 28 September 1941 by Adolf
Hitler in order to publicly reward the heroism of the German Legions dispatched to defeat
Bolshevism in the East. The award was created in two classes, Gold and Silver, independent of
one another. The Gold class recognized repeated acts of bravery or exceptional command not
justifying the award of the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross, but superior to requirements for
award of the Iron Cross 1st Class. The Silver class was to reward significant performance in
military conduct of the war. Both were independent of the classes of the Iron Cross.
(2). The German Cross In Gold shall be awarded to soldiers who display repeated acts of bravery
or exceptional command ability superior to the requirements of the Iron Cross First Class but do
not qualify for nomination for the Knights Cross of the Iron Cross. Exceptionally commendable
service to the unit or actions that go above and beyond normal meritorious awards can also
qualify for nomination.
(2a). The award will be confirmed by a 2/3 unit vote. *Note, The German Cross in Gold can also
be awarded based on individual impression, providing the soldier can justify meeting the
criteria for the award, and this must make a strong case for also enhancing the unit’s overall
impression. This award will require approval from unit leadership, confirmed by a 2/3 unit vote
and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Ritterkreuz (Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross)(1). Historically, The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was instituted by Adolf Hitler at the
outbreak of World War II on September 1st, 1939. This grade of the Iron Cross replaced the
Pour Le Merite, Imperial Germany’s highest award for valor. Unlike the “Blue Max” which only
Officers were eligible for, the Knights Cross was awarded regardless of rank. The Knight's Cross
was to be awarded for acts of ultimate bravery in the face of the enemy, or successful actions
above and beyond the German Cross in Gold and Iron Cross 1st Class. The award was also
extended to foreign nationals fighting with the Wehrmacht or SS (42 awarded). Only 7,318
Knight’s Crosses (of all grades) were awarded during the war and thus was Germany’s most
prestigious award.
(2). The Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross shall be awarded to soldiers who display ultimate acts
of bravery or exceptionally meritorious command ability (superior to the requirements of the
Iron Cross First Class and/or the German Cross in Gold [independent]),and go above and
beyond the normal expectations for valor in service to the unit. Exceptionally commendable
service to the unit or actions that go far above and beyond other types of meritorious awards
can also qualify for nomination.
(2a). The nominee must be a holder of the Iron Cross 1st Class or the action must so significant
that it would concurrently qualify for, at minimum the Iron Cross 1 st Class.
(2b). This award is intended to be rare will be the hardest to achieve as a member of
Kampfgruppe Steiner. Nominations will be scrutinized with the utmost care and attention to
historical references in order to ensure the award will enhance the overall unit impression in
addition to acknowledging the individual’s exceptionally outstanding actions/service.
(2c). Upon nomination, and after unanimous (100%) confirmation vote of unit leadership, the
unit president is the only member authorized to bring this award to a written/secret ballot unit
vote. The award will be confirmed by a 3/4 unit vote in favor. *Note, The Knights Cross of the
Iron Cross may also be awarded based on individual impression (in rare cases), providing the
soldier can justify meeting the criteria for the award, and this must make a strong case for also
enhancing the unit’s overall impression. This award will require unanimous (100%) approval
from unit leadership, confirmation by a 3/4 unit vote and will be rigorously assessed on a caseby-case basis.
References – Citations and history complied from articles listed on wehrmacht-awards.com,
feldgrau.com and axishistory.com.