Ground Combat Badge of the Luftwaffe
(Erdkampfabzeichen der Luftwaffe)

The Ground Combat Badge of the Luftwaffe  was instituted on March 31, 1942 by Hermann Göring.  The badge was designed by Professor von Weech, of Berlin.  It took the form of a matte-silver oak leaf wreath surmounted by the Luftwaffe Eagle.  The center portion was a lightning bolt striking from a cloud.

To receive the badge, it was required that the Luftwaffe member take part in three separate ground actions in combat or support capacity.  The Luftwaffe member had to be either directly involved in an assault or hand-to-hand combat, or be directly supporting such an action.