Black wound badge to widow?

[stray_dog]

Hi there!

I have a letter from III./229 Jaeger Rgt, 13. Kompanie, (Feldpostnummer 02124 D) to the wife of a soldier, stating that "the service is sending you the black wound badge awarded to your husband from the commander of III./229."

Since the gold wound badge was presented to the next of kin or the widows of KIA, how come is a black wound badge sent to the wife? Is there a chance that the soldier was already awarded the black wound badge and that after his death the unit is returning it to the wife as a personal belonging?

Thanks in advance!

[peterm]

Hi !

EVERYTHING belonging personnally to a fallen soldier was sent back by his unit, including his decorations and items like watches, rings, pipes...

Regards, Peter

[Eric JB]

Hi Stray Dog,

A german soldier didn't receive a wound badge for being KIA, no Black, Silver or Gold version.
It didn't work like a purple heart.
Note that there are many - many KIA german soldiers who didn't receive any medal at all.

yours friendly

Eric-Jan