Heroic German Feldwebel on the Eastern Front — Wehrmacht Propaganda Portrait

December 2, 2025 - Reading time: 4 minutes

Propaganda portrait of a decorated German Feldwebel on the Eastern Front.

Decorated German Feldwebel wearing the Crimea Shield and assault badges in a staged Wehrmacht propaganda portrait.

This photograph is a classic example of Third Reich propaganda: a carefully staged portrait of a German Feldwebel who fought on the Eastern Front in the Soviet Union. The image presents him as an idealized front-line hero — calm, confident, and adorned with several awards meant to emphasize his combat experience and personal bravery.

On his left sleeve is the Krim Shield, awarded to soldiers who took part in the Crimean Campaign of 1941–1942. This shield was instituted by the Wehrmacht to commemorate participation in the long and brutal fighting for the peninsula, including the siege of Sevastopol.

On his chest two awards can be clearly identified. On the left side is the DRA sports badge, recognizing physical fitness and athletic achievement — something the propaganda machine often highlighted to reinforce the idea of the “ideal German soldier.” In the center is the General Assault Badge, given for personal involvement in at least three infantry assaults, counterattacks, or combat actions over a short period. It could also be awarded for demonstrating bravery or sustaining wounds during those operations.

The photograph serves as a typical wartime image designed to project morale, discipline, and heroism — qualities the German leadership was eager to showcase, especially during the long and costly battles on the Eastern Front.

Technical Photo Data:

📍 Location: USSR
📅 Date: Unknown (Eastern Front, WWII)
📝 Subject: Decorated German Feldwebel with Crimea Shield and assault badges
📷 Author: Unknown