Germany - Third Reich: Close Combat Clasp in Silver grade, of slight curved zinc with silver wash form, the reverse marked Fec.W.E.Peekhaus, Berlin and FLL for Friedrich Linden of Lüdenscheid, fitted with fluted tapered steel pin.
Condition: 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, for 30 a Silver Class, and for 50 a Gold Clasp.
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.
