History

The Tank Destruction Badge was instituted on March 9th, 1942, and was conferred upon military personnel who single-handedly destroyed an enemy armoured vehicle or tank using hand-held weapons. Anti-tank units were not eligible to receive this Award. The Badge could be retroactively awarded for actions that dated back to June 22nd, 1941, the day which marked the onset of Operation Barbarossa. Prior to the institution of the award, an individual could be awarded the General Assault Badge for destroying an enemy tank.

The colour of the embroidered threads indicates the grade level of the Award. The Silver grade features a blackened tank on a silvered threads, with black stripes along the exterior edges.

There were approximately 18,500 Silver Badges awarded.