Germany - Third Reich: Close Combat Clasp, bronze grade, unmarked mid-war example.
Condition: Paint wear to background iron centre, otherwise Good Very Fine.
The Close Combat Clasp was instituted on 25th November 1942 for achievement in hand to hand fighting in close quarters. For 15 battles of close combat a Bronze 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. An exemption was made if the soldier was wounded in battle so badly that his injuries precluded a return to the front. In such a case, the criteria were reduced to 10 battles for the Bronze Class.
