Soviet “Excellent Airman” (Отличник Авиации) Badge – WWII-Era Soviet Air Force Qualification Award – Screwback Variant

An original Soviet “Excellent Tanker” (Отличный Танкист) qualification badge, awarded to Red Army tank crewmen who demonstrated exceptional proficiency in armored warfare. The badge features the hammer and sickle within a red enamel center, surrounded by the inscription “Excellent Tanker” in Cyrillic. The lower portion displays a stylized tank track and gun barrel motif, representing service in the Soviet armored forces.

This example retains its original screwback assembly and screwplate. The red and white enamels remain largely intact, while the badge displays honest service wear, age patina, and finish loss consistent with decades of storage and use.

The Tanker badge is among the most desirable Soviet specialist qualification badges due to its direct association with the armored forces that played a decisive role in major Soviet offensives from Kursk to Berlin.

Condition

• Original screwback construction.
• Original screwplate present.
• Strong enamel preservation.
• Attractive display appearance.
• Honest age-related wear and patina.
• Untouched collector condition.

A desirable Soviet armored forces badge suitable for collectors of WWII Soviet militaria, tank warfare memorabilia, and Red Army insignia.