Tank Destruction Badge

CrazyD · Post by **CrazyD** » Thu Sep 11, 2003 7:23 am

Gentlemen, I was hoping someone could clarify this award for me. The Tank Destruction Badge- awarded for destroying an enemy tank "by hand", correct? I'm under the impression that this award was given for destroying an enemy tank WITHOUT using a tank or tracked tank destroyer. Destroying an enemy tank with a hand weapon- panzerfaust, panzerschreck, anti-tank mine, etc. But what about destroying a tank with a towed anti-tank gun? Would that also qualify one for the award?
And I'm also guessing that destroting an enemy tank with an assualt gun or SP Artillery (StuG) would NOT qualify one for the award.

Are my assumptions correct?

Thanks for any info!

Hans N · Post by **Hans N** » Thu Sep 11, 2003 12:05 pm

The Tank Destruction Badge- awarded for destroying an enemy tank "by hand", correct? I'm under the impression that this award was given for destroying an enemy tank WITHOUT using a tank or tracked tank destroyer. Destroying an enemy tank with a hand weapon- panzerfaust, panzerschreck, anti-tank mine, etc.

Yes thats right!

But what about destroying a tank with a towed anti-tank gun? Would that also qualify one for the award?

No!

And I'm also guessing that destroying an enemy tank with an assualt gun or SP Artillery (StuG) would NOT qualify one for the award.

Yes, you guessed right

regards
Hans N

CrazyD · Post by **CrazyD** » Thu Sep 11, 2003 12:25 pm

Great, thanks for the info!

The towed anti-tank gun was the part I was really stuck on... not a tracked vehicle, but certainly not a hand-held weapon, either!

Cheers!

Stefan · Post by **Stefan** » Fri Sep 12, 2003 2:56 am

The official name was "Sonderabzeichen für das Niederkämpfen von Panzerkampfwagen durch Einzelkämpfer". As a Pak is a crew-served weapon, destroying a tank with a towed anti-tank gun could not qualify anyone for the award.

ha0 · Post by **ha0** » Thu Sep 25, 2003 3:35 am

Stefan is right.

The tank destruction stripe was instituted to recognise tank killings by individual skill with hand held weapons during combat. Destruction could be accomplished by rocket grenades, hand grenades, satchel charges or any other similar hand held explosives.

Interestingly, prior to its introduction, the general assault badge was awarded for such deeds. Stripe in gold represents 5 kills. Highest score by individual was Oberleutnant Gunter Viezenz, who earned 21 tank kills, and was later awarded the Ritter Kreuz. Tough nut he is.

Regards.

Rikster · Post by **Rikster** » Mon Sep 29, 2003 10:09 am

WAS a tough nut, he died 14th January 1999

Rik

ha0 · Post by **ha0** » Fri Oct 03, 2003 9:54 am

Hi Rikster,

Do u have any picture of Gunther Viezenz by any chance?

charlie don't surf · Post by **charlie don't surf** » Fri Oct 29, 2004 4:45 pm

Viezenz did not knock out 21 tanks in close combat.

Best regards/ Daniel

Scott Revell · Post by **Scott Revell** » Fri Oct 29, 2004 6:07 pm

Daniel,

We do you say he did not achieve 21 kills? I have him as 21 Kills....(source Tank Killers)?.....

Cheers

Revellations

Nibelung · Post by **Nibelung** » Wed Nov 17, 2004 9:04 am

How did Bäke get his 3 badges?

best,
Nibelung

fknorr · Post by **fknorr** » Wed Nov 24, 2004 12:38 pm

charlie don't surf wrote:Viezenz did not knock out 21 tanks in close combat.

Best regards/ Daniel

Every source I just pulled up has him being the highest @ 21.

artyguy · Post by **artyguy** » Fri Dec 30, 2005 10:03 am

My question is, would this award have been given to any military personel; say naval personel assigned to a kampfgruppe late in the war?

Doktor Krollspell · Post by **Doktor Krollspell** » Tue Jan 03, 2006 1:26 am

Hello Artyguy!

Yes, the "Sonderabzeichen für das Niederkämpfen von Panzerkampfwagen durch Einzelkämpfer", the Tank Destruction Badge, was awarded to all services of the Wehrmacht and the Waffen-SS. When it comes to the Kriegsmarine, the sailors being part Ground units such as the Marine-Panzervernichtungs-Bataillon "Cremer", formed in February 1945, knocked out several Allied tanks with hand-held weapons.
Several awards of the Tank Destruction Badge to Kriegsmarine personel are documented but unfortunately no photos are known to exist.

Source: "TANK KILLERS - History of the Tank Destruction Badge" by Breyette & Bender (2000)

About a photo on Oberstleutnant Viezenz of 21 kills fame:

http://www.wehrmacht-awards.com/war_bad ... e_tank.htm

Regards,

Krollspell

artyguy · Post by **artyguy** » Thu Jan 12, 2006 6:07 pm

Thanks for this information.

Alex Dekker · Post by **Alex Dekker** » Mon Jan 16, 2006 3:57 am

Charlie is right, I ran into this discussion:

http://www.das-ritterkreuz.de/index_for ... session=67, it is stated there that Viezenz never destroyed 21 tanks. He told this to a collector (see the link & scroll it down).

Alex

Feldgrau.net

Tank Destruction Badge

Tank Destruction Badge

Viezenz

Tank destruction Badge