Company commanders were responsible for reporting the list of eligible men under their command by December 31, 1943. The award ceased to be presented on July 4th, 1944. Each recipient was entitled to five copies of the shield, and in case of death, a single shield and an entitlement certificate was presented to the next of kin.
The shield was to be worn on the upper sleeve of the uniform. In the case of the Waffen SS, it is worthy of note that it was to be worn above the SS arm eagle.
It is estimated that over 100,000 shields were presented.