German WWII Driver’s Badge in Bronze

German WWII Driver’s Badge in BronzeGerman WWII Drivers Badge in Bronze This is the bronze version with a finish that is fully intact. The wool and paper backing are in place. The paper backing is green. You can feel that two prongs are in place under the paper. This has great details on the obverse and would make a good display piece. Near excellent condition. History: The Driver Proficiency Badge was established on 23 October 1942 to reward drivers of military transport vehicles,

German WWII Driver’s Badge in Bronze-This is the bronze version with a finish that is fully intact. The wool and paper backing are in place. The paper backing is green. You can feel that two prongs are in place under the paper. This has great details on the obverse and would make a good display piece. Near excellent condition.  

History: The Driver Proficiency Badge was established on 23 October 1942 to reward drivers of military transport vehicles, including trucks, cars and motorcycles, who served for specified periods in a war zone after 1 December 1940. Both service personnel and civilian drivers under Wehrmacht command could qualify, as could foreign volunteers, but not members of forces allied to Germany.

The requirement for the award was to have served since 1 December 1940 on the front line or in rear areas on the Balkan, North African and Eastern Fronts, with other areas added as the war progressed. The qualifying period depended on the type of vehicle driven. For the bronze badge this was:

Motorbike reconnaissance and dispatch riders: 90 days

Supply vehicles supporting the front line: 120 days

Other forms of military transport: 135 days

The award could be forfeited, for example if the recipient drove dangerously or failed to maintain his vehicle. It could not be awarded posthumously.