Close Combat Clasp Introduction On
25 November 1942, the "Close Combat Clasp (CCC)" was instituted for achievement
in hand to hand fighting in close quarters. The award was given
in three classes: Illustrated is a very nice press photo showing Waffen-SS men inside a trench. The SS Officer is wearing what seems to be the prestigious Close Combat Clasp in silver class.
The decoration was designed by the military artist Wilhelm Ernst Peekhaus. Normally
on the reverse left side of all CCC you will find the "FEC" meaning
from the Latin "Fecit" (made by) followed by "W.E. Peekhaus" (the
artist name) and Berlin. On the right side the manufacturer's
logo or name. The badge was die-cast and made of only Zinc,
depending on the manufacturer the clasp is straight or slightly curved.
The design shows a central motif consisting of the national emblem surmounting
a crossed bayonet and hand grenade. The centerpiece was cut out and backed with
a thin, flat square steel, crimped in place on the reverse. Close Combat Clasp
Above you will see three different class of early issued Close Combat Clasp. | |
Reverse Close Combat Clasps
The top Bronze and Silver Class have the slender banjo style magnetic pins. Both have the flat wire catch
and barrel hinge. The clasp has the designer's name on the lower left side and the manufacturer's
name posted on the lower right side. | |
German Manufacturing Firms The following
is a list of known manufactures: | |
Gold Combat Clasp
It should be
noted that a Gold Presentation CCC was issued with a black case.
It was made of Tombak and was manufactured by C.E.
Juncker of Berlin eventhough it does not have the manufacturer's mark.
The so-called deluxe version has a top hook located on the reverse behing the eagle.
In addition, the backing plate is held in place by a small central rivet.
It should be noted that the presentation CCC in Tombak did not come until March 1944.
The Close Combat Clasp was worn above the upper left uniform pocket. The award was authorized to be presented by regimental commander or equivalent. Combat days were entered in the soldier's record and certified. A certificate was awarded in conjunction with the CCC. Close Combat Clasp Certificate in Silver Above is the CCC silver certificate given to a highly decorated soldier who won not only the silver CCC, but also the Infantry Assault Badge in silver, the EKII and the "Demjansk" shield. |
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