Unusual SS decoration/badge...

[lohengrin]

Any idea what is the unusual parachute-shaped pin/award?

THANKS!!

[Michael Miller]

Probably Italian parachutist's badge. Any chance these men served under Skorzeny? See lengthy thread with many images at http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...d.php?t=253435 .

Best wishes,
~ Mike

[WEISNER]

I agree with Mike, nice photo! would you mind showing us the entire photo?

Kevin

[lohengrin]

Probably Italian parachutist's badge. Any chance these men served under Skorzeny? See lengthy thread with many images at http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...d.php?t=253435 .

Best wishes,
~ Mike

Dear Mike,

Many thanks for your answer and for the interesting link! Not sure about Skorzeny, but it is a possibility! The photo shows wounded (mostly) SS vets from different units visiting a cave in Harz - http://www.harzer-hoehlen.de/! It always surprises me how much knowledge this forum holds!

However, would SS-soldier be permitted to wear such a badge?

All the best,
Mark

[lohengrin]

I agree with Mike, nice photo! would you mind showing us the entire photo?

Kevin

Dear Kevin,

I placed this photograph on eStand with several other close ups...

http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...d.php?t=659545

As I said above, the photo shows SS-soldiers (TK and LSSAH can be clearly seen) recovering from various injuries at a sanatorium in the Harz region of Germany. I guess they have been taking a part in a trip to the Die Baumannshöhle in Rübeland!

M.

[crowback]

Para

Does anyone have a picture of the Italian para badge? I have looked thru the forums and the Internet and can only find cloth versions. He does not appear to be wearing a cloth version of the Italian badge.

[ARDITO]

This is not an italian WW2 para badge.
Ciao, Luca

[ARDITO]

These are the italian patrooper insigna, for officers, and Em.
Regards, Luca.

[lohengrin]

This is not an italian WW2 para badge.
Ciao, Luca

Hello Luca,

Thanks for the reply!

There is no doubt that the parachute looks identical to the one on the Italian cloth badge! However, this one looks like it is made out of metal... as you can see from the shadows!

Mark

[Von Thronstahl]

It looks like Croatian Paratrooper’s Sleeve Badge.