Beautiful Nahkampfspange in silver by the maker Friedrich Linden. The original silver color is still clearly visible at the hook and the back of the needle.

The Nahkampfspange was a German military decoration established during World War II and awarded to German soldiers for exceptional performance in close combat, also known as "close combat". The name “Nahkampfspange” translates to “Close Combat Clasp” in English.

This award was established in 1942 and was intended to recognize German soldiers who had distinguished themselves in combat involving hand-to-hand combat, trench fighting, the capture of bunkers, or similar close-range combat situations. It symbolized courage, determination and skill in the very dangerous and intense battles that often occurred in World War II.

The Nahkampfspange was awarded in different classes, depending on the number of times a soldier had distinguished himself in close combat. There were bronze, silver and gold classes, with gold indicating the highest level of distinction. The silver Nahkampfspange was awarded for 30 days (!) of hand-to-hand combat.