Description
Hitler Youth HJ SHARPSHOOTER BADGE (HJ Schützen-Abzeichen) By RZM M1/63. Fine enameled example.
In 1936 Reichsjugendführer Baldur von Schirach established a HJ Firearms School in Obermatzfeld Thuringia to encourage expertise in firearm handling and to further the para-military training of the HJ. Soon after the establishment of the HJ Firearms School von Schirach instituted a Marksman’s Badge for HJ members who had proven their proficiency, followed in 1938 by the establishment of a Sharpshooter’s Badge for HJ members and a new Marksman’s Badge for DJ members with each badge having different award criteria. The HJ Sharpshooters badge was awarded to HJ members over the age of sixteen for proficiency in target shooting, with small caliber rifles. Qualification for bestowal of the badge consisted of the accurate results of ten shots fired from a unsupported prone position, ten shots from a supported prone position, ten shots from a unsupported kneeling position, and an additional ten “rapid fire” shots from a standing position. LH13507