(Fallschirmschützenabzeichen (Heer), changed to Fallschirmschützenabzeichen des Heeres in 1943)

Date Instituted

1 September 1937 (reinstated 1 June 1943)

Requirements

* Having completed the instruction course for paratroopers
* Having made five qualifying jumps
* Making six jumps annually (to keep the badge)

Number Awarded

Less than 1.000 (pre-war)

Estimated price (2009)

Silver - €10.000
Zinc - €1.500
Cloth - €1.000


Paratrooper of II./FJR3 with Army Para Badge

(Courtesy of Josef Fregosi)

Comments

It was awarded the first time on 10 September 1937 to men of the Fallschirm-Infanterie-Kompanie during the maneuvers in Mecklenburg.
Two patterns of the badge existed. A cloth version also existed although no photos of it is use exists.

This badge was discontinued in 1939 when the paratroopers were transferred to the Luftwaffe and it was reinstated on 1 June 1943 after the formation of 15. (Fallschirmjäger) Kompanie of Brandenburg Regiment 4. A few men from SS-Fallschirmjäger Bataillon 500 and SS-Fallschirmjäger Bataillon 600 were also awarded this badge.
The name of the badge was changed to Fallschirmschützenabzeichen des Heeres at this time.

Photo courtesy of August

Sources used

Christopher Ailsby - World War 2 German medals and political awards
John R. Angolia - For Führer and Fatherland: Military awards of the Third Reich
David Littlejohn - Orders, decorations, medals and badges of the Third Reich
Detlev Niemann - Price Guide Germany 1871-1945 (2009)
Eric Queen - Red shines the sun: A pictoral history of the Fallschirm-Infanterie

Reference material on this award

Eric Queen - Red shines the sun: A pictoral history of the Fallschirm-Infanterie