History

The Sniper Insignia was instituted by Adolf Hitler on August 22, 1944, to reward snipers for exceptional marksmanship and skill with a rifle. The badge was issued in three grades, I Class, II Class and III Class. The I Class is piped with gold cord, the II Class is piped with silver cord, and the II Class is not piped.

Originally, only army snipers were eligible to receive the award, but in December 1944, the award criterion was expanded to include all military personnel.

The number of kills was counted from September 1st, 1944, and every kill had to be confirmed and reported to the sniper’s unit.

The III Class was awarded for at least 20 kills.