History

In October of 1940, Waffen-SS Mountain Troops serving in Norway were issued Army-style and on April 15, 1941, all SS-Mountain Troops were granted authorization to wear the Mountain Cap.

An Edelweiss Badge was worn on the left side of Waffen-SS mountain caps. The Edelweiss was used to represent all German mountain troops and was selected as the flower is capable of growing at very high Alpine elevations. In addition, the Edelweiss traditionally represents bravery and courage in Germanic culture.

The Officer’s quality Edelweiss badge was manufactured using bullion or aluminium thread. Badges issued to Non-Commissioned Officers and enlisted men were not as high of quality and were manufactured using thread.