Stug III and IV crewmen

[Carl Christense]

I thought that Stug crewman were awarded the silver panzer assault badger but I saw a photo in an osprey book identifying a person as a stug crewman and he is wearing the general assault badge. Is this correct? Were these crewman eligible for both badges depending on the engagement?

Please join the conversation.

Thanks

Carl C

[vonStubben]

I've been curious myself as my relative received the PAB in silver and he was a Commander of an SS Stug unit. My understanding is that most received the GAB.

[peterm]

STURMGESCHÜTZE were part of the ARTILLERY and the crews therefore received the General Assault badge.
When - later in the war - the Sturmgeschütze became part of the PANZERJÄGER-units, the crewman of Sturmgeschütz III and IV were awarded the silver tank-badge (decision of the O.K.H. from 1.12.1944).

I'm quite sure that mistakes happened and soldiers still got the GAB instead of the silver tank badge AFTER the decision mentioned above.

Hope that helps!

Best, Peter

[vonStubben]

STURMGESCHÜTZE were part of the ARTILLERY and the crews therefore received the General Assault badge.
When - later in the war - the Sturmgeschütze became part of the PANZERJÄGER-units, the crewman of Sturmgeschütz III and IV were awarded the silver tank-badge (decision of the O.K.H. from 1.12.1944).

I'm quite sure that mistakes happened and soldiers still got the GAB instead of the silver tank badge AFTER the decision mentioned above.

Hope that helps!

Best, Peter

That's GREAT information, thanks Peter!

[Ludwig]

I thought that Stug crewman were awarded the silver panzer assault badger but I saw a photo in an osprey book identifying a person as a stug crewman and he is wearing the general assault badge. Is this correct? Were these crewman eligible for both badges depending on the engagement?

Please join the conversation.

Thanks

Carl C

That is correct! Sturmgeschütz = Allgemeines Sturmabzeichen

[markus]

Michael Wittmann was awarded the Panzerkampfabzeichen in Silber (PAB in Silver) as commander of a Sturmgeschütz in 1941.

[PanzerElite]

i have SS stuG.grouping, when he is in Stug.Bttr., attached to the division, he is awarded GAB, then he goes to SS Pz.Rgt., he is awarded PABiS.

[Skyhawk]

Hi,

StuG RKT with GAB. As others have said, the "norm" in the Heer was for StuG crewman to receive the GAB. That being stated, there are examples of crewman being awarded a PAB as well. Also, some crewman served on both Assault Guns and Panzers at different times, and were awarded both badges during their career.

Best,

Jeff

[Ludwig]

There are always exceptions, but in general, a Stug soldier was to be awarded the ASA.

[Aiceman]

In the early period of the war the sturmgeschütz crew worn the insignia of the Panzerwaffe (got PAB), later the men of assault gun belonged to the artillery branch (got ASA). From early 1943 ordered to removal the totenkopf from the tunic.
very good photo material can be found in the book "Iron Cross Brigade" (story of stug abt.244)by Jason D Mark

[Heydrich]

Indeed a great info to think about, thanks to all, guys!
And some time ago I knew about Wittman beginning his carreer as a Stug unit, very nice to refresh my memory.

And, can you please explain me the next thing - Elefant self-propelled gun, for example, also was called PANZERJAGER. Sometimes Jagdpanther...
Did their equipages also recieve silver grade PABs?

[peterm]

The decision of the "O.K.H." from 1. December 1944 clearly states as follows:

Crew-members of "Panzerjäger"-units which are equipped with the following weapons now get the "Panzer Assult Badge" in SILVER:

- Jagdpanzer 38, Jagdpanzer IV, Jagdpanther, Jagdtiger, Sturmgeschütz III and IV.

Crew-members of ANY OTHER "Panzerjäger"-units STILL get the "General Assault Badge".

Best regards, Peter

[Heydrich]

The decision of the "O.K.H." from 1. December 1944 clearly states as follows:

Crew-members of "Panzerjäger"-units which are equipped with the following weapons now get the "Panzer Assult Badge" in SILVER:

- Jagdpanzer 38, Jagdpanzer IV, Jagdpanther, Jagdtiger, Sturmgeschütz III and IV.

Crew-members of ANY OTHER "Panzerjäger"-units STILL get the "General Assault Badge".

Best regards, Peter

Thanks for the explanation, Peter!
Seems to be I thought right, list of panzerjager vehicles is quite wide

Strange that this bulky guy is not there. By the way, there really was some descrimination about Dr. Porsche and his Creation.
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tl5V-lYkYN...nand_photo.jpg