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Panzerknacker German Grenadier Waiting with Panzerfaust, 1944-45

Panzerknacker was the popular nickname for German soldiers awarded the Tank Destruction Badge during World War II. The award was given to individuals who had single-handedly destroyed an enemy tank or armored combat vehicle using a handheld explosive device such as a Panzerfaust. It was established on 9 March 1942, but could be awarded retroactively for actions dating back to 22 June 1941 (the start of Operation Barbarossa). A gold class that recognized the single-handed destruction of five tanks – after the fifth kill, all four silver badges won would be replaced by a single gold version. One noted recipient of the award was Günther Viezenz, who destroyed 21 enemy tanks.