Following their initial victories, Adolf Hitler and the National Socialist war machine saw a slowdown in their drive across the European continent. As the conflicts intensified and casualties continued to mount, improving morale, both of the soldiers in the trenches along with those they left behind on the home front, became crucial for the regime’s success. To honor the participation of German Army, Luftwaffe, Navy, Waffen SS and other personnel in key encounters, a series of well-executed battle shield awards were instituted by Hitler beginning in the early years of the war.
The “Narvikschild” (Narvik shield) was designed by a Munich professor named Richard Klein and introduced on Aug. 19, 1940. This award was given to Wehrmacht personnel who had participated
