Parachutist Badge (Germany)

The German Armed Forces Parachutist Badge (Fallschirmspringerabzeichen or Fallschirmschützenabzeichen) is the badge awarded to and worn by qualified parachutists of the Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) of the Federal Republic of Germany. The badge may also be awarded to military service members from allied nations but its authorization and wear is subject to the recipient's national uniform regulations.

Nazi Germany
In the National Socialist Wehrmacht, the Parachutist Badge was first established by order of Hermann Göring on November 5, 1936. It was originally awarded to soldiers of the Luftwaffe after completion of parachute training and the required number of jumps. The badge depicted a diving eagle with a swastika in its claws surrounded by a silver wreath. It was worn over the left breast pocket.

An army version was later introduced, with the swastika relocated to the top of the wreath and surmounted by a smaller upright eagle.

Federal Republic of Germany
Following the defeat of the Nazis in World War II, the symbols of National Socialism were outlawed in Germany. After the creation of the Bundeswehr, wearing of decorations and badges earned during war-time was permitted, but only after proper "de-Nazification". The German Parachutist Badge was eventually changed to its current design in 1956, depicting a parachute falling in the sky surrounded by a ring of oak leaves on wings. This badge is worn over the right breast pocket.

Bundeswehr
In the German Bundeswehr the badge has three levels:
 * Bronze: 5 Jumps, step I
 * Silver: 20 Jumps, step II
 * Gold: 50 Jumps, step III

Notable recipients (Bundeswehr version)

 * John Abizaid
 * Keith B. Alexander
 * David Barno
 * Monica Lin Brown
 * William B. Caldwell, III
 * William B. Caldwell, IV
 * George W. Casey, Jr.
 * Iván Castro
 * Ann E. Dunwoody
 * Anthony Herbert (US soldier)
 * Michele S. Jones
 * Frederick Kroesen
 * David Petraeus
 * Ralph Puckett
 * Hugh Shelton
 * Jeff Struecker
 * Merdith W.B. Temple
 * Kenneth L. Farmer, Jr.