By 1918 there were so many wounded men still in the ranks and disabled back in Germany—by the end of the war there were an estimated 4.2 million—that the army decided that a decoration was needed for the troops' uniforms to recognize and honor their sacrifice. Approved by the Kaiser on 3 March 1918, the metal alloy Imperial Wound Badge displayed a German helmet with crossed swords surrounded by a wreath. They were each 1.5 x 1.75 inches and came in three versions: (Note: I cannot find a source for the actual number of awards during WWI.)
- Black (3rd class, representing Iron), for those wounded once or twice by hostile action (including air raids).
- Silver (2nd class) for being wounded three or four times.
- Gold (1st class, which could be awarded posthumously) for being wounded five or more times.
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| Ernst Jünger, Wounded 14 Times During WWI, Displaying the Wound Badge (Presumably 1st Class) |
The "progression" could be waived in the event of loss of a limb or eyesight; when such a severe wound occurred, the silver badge was awarded. Badges were made of pressed steel, brass and zinc. All versions of the Wound Badge were worn on the lower left breast of the uniform or tunic.
The badges, of course, made a comeback for the Second World War, with a swastika added to the helmet. An estimated 5 million were awarded. Civilians wounded in Allied bomb raids were also eligible for the badge. There was even a special version awarded to survivors of the 20 July 1944 unsuccessful attempt to assassinate Hitler. The Führer, himself, did not accept one since he had received a Wound Badge for his First World War wounds.
Sources: For Führer and Fatherland: Military Awards of the Third Reich; Wikipedia; the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum.
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