WWII German Bronze Close Combat Clasp.

WWII German Bronze Close Combat Clasp.

Reverse side Grade marked by FEC. W.E. Peekhaus Berlin - A.G.M.u.K. Gablonz.

Size: 10 cm W

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

The award was bestowed in three classes:

For 15 battles of close combat a Bronze Class was awarded.

For 25 battles of close combat a Silver Class was awarded.

For 50+ battles of close combat a Gold Class was awarded.

In order to receive this distinguished decoration, all battles and their dates had to be officially documented by the battle commander, verified by the general in charge and authenticated by several divisions of the war department. It was possible that more than one close combat battle per day was fought and therefore recorded as a separate entity.