Croatia, Independent State. A Legion Breast Badge

In die-stamped aluminum, the shield with twelve red lacquered squares, unmarked (the known makers were Zagreb's foundries B. Knaus and ME-BA), measuring 39 mm (w) x 39.3 mm (h), horizontal pinback, extremely fine.

Footnote:  This badge was awarded to all members of the Croatian legionary units (Navy, Army, Air Force) and worn on the right uniform pocket. Most of these legionary units were involved in the battles on the Eastern Front, in Russia, most notably 369th (Kroat) Regiment. Commander of the Regiment was Colonel Markulj, a Croat. He was replaced by another Croat, Colonel Viktor Pavicic, as regimental Commander. Only a small number of the NCO's of the regiment were Germans, all other members were Croats; the Regiment was decimated at the Battle of Stalingrad. Croatians also had a naval unit stationed and active in the Black Sea, as well as an Air Force formation numbering several hundreds.