On 25 November 1942 at the height of the Battle of Stalingrad, Hitler created a new incentive for his footsoldiers in the form of the "Nahkampfsprange".
This award was instituted on November 25th, 1942. There were three grades issued:
1.Bronze - 15 days of unsupported close combat or 10 days in case of wound
2.Silver - 30 days of unsupported close combat or 20 days in case of wound
3.Gold - 50 days of unsupported close combat or 40 days in case of wound