***SOLD***

Very good die struck alloy mould constructed badge with a nickel silver plating with sharp details, light grey overall appearance. Original pin and hook assembly, maker stamped W.H. (Walter Henlein of Vienna) to the underside of pin assembly.

The badge was instituted on December 20th, 1940 by  Oberstbefehlshaber des Heeres, Generalfeldmarschall von Brauchitsch, and was to be awarded to non-motorized Infantry units and units of the Gebirgsjäger. To qualify for the IAB, soldiers had to have participated in Infantry Assaults, with light weapons, over at least three days on the frontline from January 1st, 1940. A counter-offensive leading fighting at short distances would also qualify. The award of the Infanterie Sturmabzeichen was authorized at regimental command level or higher. In a special occasion on May 28th, von Brauchitsch himself awarded the first two recipients, an officer and an enlisted man.