Nahkampfspange by FLL in Gold

[history-buff1944]

Hi Guys, here is one from my collection bought over 25 years ago now. The maker in this case is "FLL" (Friedrich Linden of Ludenscheid) with the addition of the designers name of "CWE Peekhaus, Berlin"

The gold grade Nahkampfspange was regarded by Hitler as the highest Infantry decoration. Awarded for 50 days of close combat (reduced to 40 days if wounded)

Introduced on 25th November 1942 in three grades:
Bronze, (15 days/10 if wounded)
Silver (30 days / 20 if wounded )
Gold (50 days / 40 if wounded as already mentioned).

Prior service in Russia before this date was taken into account for this award:

8 months service = Five days credit.
12 months = 10 days
15 months = 15 days.

Close combat days were recorded in the soldiers "Soldbuch".

Cheers, Ade.

Nice piece. Ive got minty Bronze and Silver Cousins to this one. ;-))