The World War II German Close Combat Clasp (Nahkampfspange) was a military decoration awarded to recognize the achievements of German infantrymen who engaged in hand-to-hand combat or close assault actions. It was instituted on November 25, 1942, by Adolf Hitler.
The Close Combat Clasp came in three grades: bronze, silver, and gold. The grade awarded depended on the number of close combat actions the soldier participated in. Here’s a breakdown of the criteria:
- Bronze: For soldiers who participated in 15 close combat days.
- Silver: For soldiers who participated in 30 close combat days.
- Gold: For soldiers who participated in 50 close combat days.
A "close combat day" was defined as a day in which a soldier participated in actual hand-to-hand combat or in close combat situations where no small arms were used. Engagements had to be against the enemy and not against fellow soldiers or prisoners of war.
The Close Combat Clasp was worn above the left breast pocket of the tunic, and it could be awarded retroactively to soldiers who had already participated in the required number of close combat actions prior to the award's inception in 1942.
Receiving the Close Combat Clasp was a mark of honor and valor, signifying a soldier's bravery and effectiveness in the intense and dangerous conditions of close combat during World War II.
