Original Item: Only One Available. This is a rare Luftwaffe eagle insignia, which would be attached to the breast of the Fallschirmjäger Paratrooper Smocks. The weave used on these is distinctive, as is the green color, made to match the paratrooper smocks. It is in very good condition, with lovely machine embroidering. The wings are still clear, with just a little wear. The back of the eagle shows remnants of the correct light coating used to keep it from fraying. There is a bit of thread in areas and some stitch holes, shi this looks to have been removed from a uniform. Measures 3 5/8″ x 1 7/8″.
The Fallschirmjäger were the paratrooper branch of the German Luftwaffe before and during World War II. They were the first German paratroopers to be committed in large-scale airborne operations and came to be known as the “green devils” by the Allied forces they fought against. The Fallschirmjäger were very effective when used in commando style raids. The Fallschirmjäger were famous for their willingness to give every effort unwaveringly even in the grimmest of situations. The Fallschirmjäger were seldom used as parachutists. Instead, they were prized for their combat abilities and frequently acted in a “fire brigade” role as roving elite infantrymen. Throughout World War II the Fallschirmjäger commander was Kurt Student.