Intended primarily for infantry, other Heer, Waffen-SS, Luftwaffe ground units and Fallschirmjäger (Paratroopers) were also eligible.

[6] As the war continued, a number of amendments were made to the award criteria: The Gold Close Combat Clasp was often regarded in higher esteem than the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross by the German infantry,[1] and Adolf Hitler reserved the right to bestow this class personally.

The design of all three classes was the same, with a centerpiece consisting of the eagle and swastika national emblem surmounting a crossed bayonet and hand grenade with, each side, a spray of oakleaves, interspersed with a sunburst ray effect.

In 1957 many World War II military decorations, including the Close Combat Clasp were re-designed to remove the eagle and swastika,[10] and then re-authorised for wear by qualifying veterans.

[3] The badge comprised a laurel wreath set behind a Luftwaffe eagle and swastika surmounting a crossed bayonet and hand grenade, all in silver.