The Second World War ended with the defeat of the Axis, which included Nazi Germany. Immediately after the state capitulated to the USSR and the Allies, all of its former servicemen turned into either prisoners of war or veterans. Many of these people returned to a peaceful life as they were ordinary soldiers. At the same time, they still had the award signs of the times of the war, from which the logical question follows: can they be worn.
Many soldiers and officers had awards.
It should be immediately understood that after the collapse of the Nazi regime in Germany and the occupation of the USSR and the Allied countries, the state and its population were not at all in a position to think about such things as the remaining state awards. Against the background of international tribunals and the lustration of the Nazis, it was obvious that everything that is in one way or another connected with this regime should be consigned to oblivion.
The war is over, but the awards remain.
Nevertheless, Germany was and remains a country with a strong military tradition. The reward system is an important part of these traditions, as well as the continuity of generations. Despite the gloomy past, the issue of the recognition of Nazi awards sooner or later had to be resolved. This happened almost only in 1957. Then on July 26, the "Gesetz uber Titel, Orden und Ehrenzeichen" (Law on titles, medals and awards) or German law number 6 on the order of awarding orders and on the wearing order was adopted, which, among other things, dotted the "and" in the question awards of the Wehrmacht.
The soldiers 'and officers' awards of the army of Nazi Germany are officially recognized. First of all, this means two things. First, it is forbidden to sell awards. Second, each award must have documents for it. With the wearing of decorations from the Second World War in Germany, everything is somewhat more complicated. Former soldiers and officers of the Wehrmacht may wear badges that emphasize their military achievements and exploits. However, the award must not be worn if it has Nazi symbols on it.
There is a way out of this situation. If the veteran did not want his award to gather dust in a dark closet, he had to exchange it in government agencies for a denazified copy without prohibited symbols. It is worth noting that former Reich soldiers, like junior officers, did not really like to wear their medals and badges. For the most part, in the Bundeswehr, the denazified medals were worn by representatives of the higher officers.
Here are some photos of German officers during service in the Wehrmacht and SS and after in the Bundeswehr:
Promotional video:
The signs were supposed to get rid of the symbols of the Nazis.
The awards are recognized.
Those who continued to serve.