Press Photo – Awarding of the Panzervernichtungsabzeichen, 17 August 1944

Original wartime German Propaganda-Kompanie press photograph, showing the commander of a Panzer-Pionier-Bataillon presenting the Panzervernichtungsabzeichen (Tank Destruction Badge) to a Pionier-Obergefreiter for the destruction of an enemy tank. In the background stands a captured and destroyed Soviet T-34, providing dramatic context to the award ceremony.

The reverse retains the original typed PK caption slip, titled “2987 / Für vernichtete Feindpanzer” (“For destroyed enemy tanks”), dated 17 August 1944 and credited to PK war correspondent Schaerer (Atl.). The text reads:

“Der Kommandeur eines Panzer-Pionier-Bataillons heftet einem Pionier-Obergefreiten das Panzervernichtungsabzeichen an. Im Hintergrund einer der erbeuteten und vernichteten T-34.”
(“The commander of a Panzer-Pioneer battalion pins the Tank Destruction Badge on a pioneer corporal. In the background is one of the captured and destroyed T-34s.”)

Stamped “Wien-Bild, Agentur Schostal” and bearing additional censorship and publication markings.

Item Details

• Original wartime German press photograph with full PK documentation.

• Date: 17 August 1944.

• Photographer: Kriegsberichter Schaerer (Propaganda-Kompanie Atlantik).

• Subject: Awarding of the Tank Destruction Badge before a destroyed T-34.

• Size: Approx. 13 × 18 cm.

• Condition: Excellent; sharp contrast and detail, minor corner wear, full caption slip intact with clear text and period agency stamps.

Collector’s Note

An authentic and historically significant Propaganda-Kompanie photograph documenting the rare awarding of the Panzervernichtungsabzeichen, with the dramatic inclusion of a destroyed Soviet T-34 in the background. Fully documented and dated, this is a fine example of a frontline award presentation photo with strong visual and research appeal.