Close Combat Clasp

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Close Combat Clasp (German: Nahkampfspange) is a German military award instituted on November 25, 1942 for achievement in hand to hand fighting in close quarters. The Close Combat Clasp was worn above the upper left uniform pocket. The badge was die-cast and made of either Tombak or Zinc, with a slightly curved and hand centerpiece consisting of the national emblem surmounting a crossed bayonet and hand grenade.

The award was bestowed in three classes.

• For 15 days of combat a Bronze Class was awarded.
• For 30 days of combat a Silver Class was awarded.
• For 50 days of combat a Gold Class was awarded.

An exemption was made if the soldier was wounded in battle, then the criteria was reduced to 10, 20 and 40 days.

The Gold Close Combat Clasp was often regarded in higher esteem than the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross by the German infantry. Of the roughly 18 – 20 Million soldiers of the German Wehrmacht 36.400 received the Bronze Class, 9500 the Silver Clasp and 631 the Gold Class.

[edit] References

• Florian Berger (2004), Ritterkreuzträger mit Nahkampfspange in Gold, ISBN: 395013073X