| Fallschirmspringerabzeichen | |
|---|---|
 The German Parachutist Badge in Bronze | |
| Awarded by the Federal Republic of Germany | |
| Type | Military Badge |
| Eligibility | Soldiers of the German armed forces and Allied nations |
| Awarded for | Military Parachutist Proficiency |
| Status | Currently awarded |
| Description | Comes in three classes: gold, silver and bronze |
| Statistics | |
| Established | September 1, 1937 |
The German Armed Forces Parachutist Badge (German language: 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[]
Wehrmacht Luftwaffe Fallschirmschützenabzeichen
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.
See also[]
External links[]
The original article can be found at Parachutist Badge (Germany) and the edit history here.