Replica of German Armed Forces Parachutist Badge (Fallschirmspringerabzeichen)

German Armed Forces Parachutist Badge (Fallschirmspringerabzeichen)

The German Armed Forces Parachutist Badge (German: Fallschirmspringerabzeichen or Fallschirmschützenabzeichen) is the badge awarded to and worn by qualified parachutists of the Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) of the Federal Republic of Germany. The badge may also be awarded to military service members from allied nations but its authorization and wear is subject to the recipient's national uniform regulations.

In the National Socialist Wehrmacht, the Parachutist Badge was first established by order of Hermann Göring on November 5, 1936. It was originally awarded to soldiers of the Luftwaffe after completion of parachute training and the required number of jumps. The badge depicted a diving eagle with a swastika in its claws surrounded by a silver wreath. It was worn over the left breast pocket.

An army version was later introduced, with the swastika relocated to the top of the wreath and surmounted by a smaller upright eagle.