Luftwaffe Ground Assault Badge Value Guide

Authorized by Hermann Göring on March 31, 1942, the Luftwaffe Ground Assault Badge recognized personnel in anti-aircraft and field divisions who engaged in direct ground combat. This decoration is highly collectible due to its distinct design featuring a diving eagle and lightning bolt, representing the transition of air crews to infantry roles.

What Is Luftwaffe Ground Assault Badge Worth?

The typical price range for Luftwaffe Ground Assault Badge is $450 - $550 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Material composition significantly impacts price, with early Buntmetall (tombak) examples commanding higher premiums than late-war zinc versions.
• The presence and integrity of the original finish, particularly the silvering on the wreath and the darkening of the clouds, affects market value.
• Maker marks on the reverse, such as those by Osang or Arno Wallpach, can increase desirability among specialized collectors.
• The type of attachment, specifically whether the eagle is secured by one or two rivets, helps determine the production period and rarity.

How to Identify Luftwaffe Ground Assault Badge?

• Examine the eagle; it should be a separate piece riveted to the wreath on early versions or integrated in later zinc models.
• Check for the specific 'diving eagle' clutching a swastika, positioned above a stylized cloud and lightning bolt.
• Verify the hardware on the reverse, looking for characteristic barrel hinges and round wire pins typical of German wartime manufacturers.
• Inspect the wreath for crisp oak leaf detailing and a distinct darkening or 'wash' applied to the cloud and lightning bolt area.

History of Luftwaffe Ground Assault Badge

This badge was authorized on March 31, 1942, by Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring to recognize the increasing number of Luftwaffe personnel engaged in ground combat, primarily in anti-aircraft and field division roles. It served as a ground combat equivalent to existing army assault badges, differentiating personnel whose primary service was typically air-based but who distinguished themselves in direct fighting on the ground.