Parachutist Badge (Hungary)

The Hungarian Defence Forces awards four classes Parachutist Badges to those qualified as military parachutists. The latest version is awarded since 1990.

1940-1945
The first official Parachutist Badges were introduced into the Royal Hungarian Army in February 14. 1940. A domed parachute opened with two wings at each side, and in the middle a skull, and underneath two crossed fighting knives. Two classes were awarded. A gold sawn on a green cloth for officers, and silver sawn on a green cloth for NCO's and conscripted soldiers. The badges were worn above the wright pocketflaps. Their parameters were: 80x36 mm, and the parachute 25 mm's wide. There were also metal badges introduced during the war for combat uniforms. Because if a Hungarian paratrooper was captured by Soviet troops they were shot immediately. The famous Royal Hungarian 1st Parachute Battalion, later regiment was formed as the Kingdom of Hungary's primary airborne force. Its first commanding officer was Major vitéz Árpád Bertalan. After his death Captain István Ugron was his successor.

1945-1989
After Hungary was defeated during World War II a new democratic army was created with new symbols. A new parachutist badge was also created. The coat of arms of Hungary replaced the skull and crossed knives. After the sovietification of Hungary again new badges were introduced. They were a soviet style badges with red stars and symbols.

After 1990
After the Soviet Army left Hungary the Hungarian Defence Forces were created. The new army took on traditions of the Royal Hungarian Army. New parachutist ratings and badges were created. Gold sawn for officers, silver sawn to underofficers and NCO's, brown for conscripted and contracted soldiers. The ratings are worn on the left side of the uniform above the ribbonbar.

There were also four classes created for airborne rated personnel.
 * Gold laurel 1st class parachutist badge
 * 1st class parachutist badge
 * 2nd class parachutist badge
 * 3rd class parachutist badge