TYPE IV, DDR, PARA WING, EAST GERMANY, WITH #2500 JUMP HANGER, B T 744 This is a vintage and original military issue Parachutist Qualification Badge from East Germany (Deutsche Demokratische Republik - DDR) with a #2500 parachute jump hanger. It has a threaded screw post with dish shaped round spinner on the reverse for retention to the uniform. This Para badge is illustrated in Bragg Turner's first book, Parachute Badges and Insignia of the World, as B T# 744. This parachute badge is the Type IV "COPPER" which does not have the red background behind the national symbol. Collector's Background: There were four distinctly different badges using this same basic design. Type I, considered a prototype, was made of silver metal and had the older black, red and yellow diamond shaped National Symbol at the bottom. The diamond shaped symbol was used on many of the East German air force badges. Type II parachutist badge was also made of silver metal, but had the round shaped National Symbol with red in the background. Type III was made entirely of copper with red in the background behind the National Symbol. Type IV was also made of copper and it did NOT have the red background behind the national symbol. Numbered jump hangers, made of copper metal, were awarded in 30 separate increments from 10 to 6000 to recognize the number of parachute jumps made by the parachutist. This badge is from an established collection and is long obsolete and now getting scarce. This badge is from a small select unit of elite paratroopers in a country that ceased to exist over 20 years ago. Luftsturmregiment (Air Assault Regiment) Willi Sanger The NVA introduced a Fallschirmjager (Paratrooper) battalion in 1962. Designated Fallschirmjagerbattalion-5, this unit eventually evolved into a 2 battalion, 680-man parachute force known as Luftsturmregiment-40 (Air Assault Regiment-40) "Willi Sanger". This was an elite NVA formation noted for it's high level of strike-and-fighting skill, toughness, motivation, and training. NVA paratroopers participated in major Warsaw Pact and NVA exercises like Waffenbrüderschaft 80, JUG 84, Schild-84, DRUSHBA 86, JUG 87. During the 80's the unit was expanded to two full air assault battalions (40 and 41) and upon mobilization, plans were laid for a full brigade staff with support group. On more than one occasion the fallschirmjagers of "Willi Sanger" were awarded the NVA title "Best Troop Unit". Dress and field uniforms unique to the airborne were developed that readily identified these troops as members of the DDR's premier combat unit.