History

The Volunteer Battalion Wolf was established in May of 1921 in Hesse. It was named after its commander, Oberleutnant Wolf. The battalion moved to Upper Silesia to support the locals and participate in the fighting against Polish insurgents who had invaded the area. Most of the volunteers returned to Hesse in September.

In August, Oberleutnant Wolf instituted the Volunteer Battalion Wolf Honour Badge. Initially, it was supposed to be awarded to each and every member of the battalion, but this was changed shortly after its institution. Instead, only those that showed exceptional merit were to be awarded.

The badge was designed by Otto Tilcher, one of the volunteers. It was manufactured by the company of M. Reich in Breslau, as well as another unknown company.

The badge is silvered and in the form of a vertically oval wreath of oak leaves on the left side and laurel on the right side. The area in between is pebbled. Superimposed over it is a black enamelled cross and an upright sword. The sword protrudes at the bottom. Its long blade is almost completely hidden behind the cross' 12 and 6 o'clock arms. Superimposed over the blade, just below the cross, is a ribbon with the inscription "WOLF". Another ribbon is situated at the very top of the wreath. The inscription reads "S.S.O.S." for Selbstschutz Oberschlesien (literally "self protection Upper Silesia").

A variant of the award with subtle differences by the company of J. Preissler, Pforzheim is known to exist. It is doubtful that it is an official badge and may even be an unsanctioned reproduction.