The German Motorcycle Driver Service Medal
Reference: "Motorcycles of the Wehrmacht"
by Horst Hinrichsen
The Motor Vehicle Service Medal was awarded in three grades (bronze, silver and gold) to drivers who performed special service in World War II. The medal was worn on the uniform at the left sleeve (lower, middle) and it could also be worn in miniature form on civilian clothing.
The particularly demanding tasks of the motorcycle messengers were honored by placing their names at the top of the awards list. Motorcycle messengers could receive the award after 90 days of action, while other Wehrmacht drivers were not eligible for this award until they served 185 days of action under unusually rough conditions. Despite difficult conditions, all drivers were expected to service and maintain their vehicles. Only after six months of trouble-free service could on begin to count toward 90 days in action toward the award.
For 90 days of action to be counted toward the motorcycle messenger award, the time had to be spent under difficult conditions such as:
- driving under enemy fire
- driving a great distance over particularly difficult road conditions
- driving under unusually harsh weather conditions
Awarded Motor Vehicle Service Medals were withdrawn and requalifying began at the lowest "bronze level" in cases of:
- an accident that was the driver's fault
- careless vehicle maintenance resulting in damage
- exceeding the established speed limit