German military Wound Badge
The German Wound Badge, or Verwundetenabzeichen, was a military decoration instituted to honor and recognize soldiers of the German armed forces who were wounded or killed in action. It first emerged during the First World War and would go on to see several iterations through the turbulent decades that followed, including the Second World War and even during the brief era of Nazi Germany's demise.
The origins of the Wound Badge trace back to March 3, 1918, near the end of World War I, under Kaiser Wilhelm II. The conflict had produced staggering casualties, and the idea behind the badge was to acknowledge the physical sacrifice made by soldiers on the front lines. It was awarded in three classes: Black (for one or two wounds), Silver (for three or four wounds), and Gold (for five or more wounds, or in cases of serious injury such as loss of a limb or eyesight). This tiered system of recognition allowed the military to visually acknowledge the extent of a soldier’s suffering and commitment.
The badge was not only a symbol of personal sacrifice, but also served to reinforce morale within the ranks. In a society where military service was held in high esteem, the wound badge was a tangible representation of valor, endurance, and patriotic suffering. The criteria for awarding the badge were relatively inclusive; it was not restricted to German nationals alone and could be given to members of allied forces, as well as civilians injured in combat zones.
With the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi regime, the Wound Badge was re-instituted for the Second World War in 1939. Its design was altered to reflect the symbols of the new regime: the Wehrmacht-style steel helmet was retained, but now the badge was surmounted by a prominent swastika. The classes remained the same — Black, Silver, and Gold — but the awarding system was expanded to include those injured during air raids, recognizing that total war had blurred the lines between battlefield and home front.
The badges were typically stamped from a single piece of metal, with different materials used depending on the class and the availability of resources during the war. Black badges were often made of a pressed sheet of brass or steel with a blackened finish, silver badges from a nickel-silver alloy, and gold badges often from brass with a gilt wash or lacquer finish.
Among collectors today, the Wound Badge remains a highly sought-after military artifact. However, one particular variant stands out above all others for its extreme rarity, historical importance, and the intrigue surrounding it: the special version of the Wound Badge awarded to those injured during the failed assassination attempt on Adolf Hitler on July 20, 1944.
Following the attempt led by Claus von Stauffenberg — who placed a bomb in Hitler’s Wolf’s Lair headquarters in East Prussia — a number of high-ranking military personnel were wounded or killed. Hitler, though only slightly injured, was quick to turn the event into propaganda and further solidify his image as a man of destiny. On July 22, 1944, just two days after the bombing, he ordered the creation of a unique version of the Wound Badge to be given exclusively to those injured in the blast.
This special edition, known as the 20 July 1944 Wound Badge, was based on the standard 1939 design but featured Hitler’s signature on the reverse and was cast in solid silver. Only a handful of these were ever awarded — it is believed no more than 24 individuals received them — making this the rarest version of the Wound Badge ever produced. Among the recipients were officers like General Wilhelm Burgdorf and General Walter Scherff, both of whom would remain loyal to Hitler until the very end. These badges were awarded personally by Hitler in a highly publicized ceremony.
The production of this extraordinary badge was entrusted to the firm C. E. Juncker, a prestigious medal and badge manufacturer based in Berlin. Juncker was one of the most respected and prolific producers of military decorations during the Nazi era, known for their high-quality craftsmanship and close relationship with the German military and government. They were selected to produce the 20 July badge because of their ability to deliver finely detailed, high-grade awards on extremely short notice. The badges were solidly constructed in silver and bore Hitler’s facsimile signature on the reverse — a detail intended to heighten the symbolic and political weight of the award. Juncker's involvement further underscores the badge’s significance and authenticity, contributing to its near-mythical status among militaria collectors.
Due to its rarity and historical significance, this special Wound Badge has become a prime target for forgers, and the market is rife with reproductions of varying quality. Authentic examples, when they surface, are typically found in museums or elite private collections. One such genuine badge is currently housed in the German Historical Museum in Berlin, where it is displayed under careful preservation. Its presence serves as a stark reminder of a regime that revered loyalty above all else and used every means available — including medals and symbolism — to reinforce its grip on power.
