The Front Flying Clasp of the Luftwaffe

The Front Flying Clasp of the Luftwaffe - Various versions (there are 8 total)

Time Period: Nazi Germany (World War II)
Institution: 30 January 1941
Country: Germany

The Front Flying Clasp of the Luftwaffe (or Frontflugspange in German) was a World War II German military decoration conferred upon aircrew and select Luftwaffe personnel to acknowledge the quantity of operational flights undertaken.

Instituted by Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring on January 30, 1941, it came in Bronze, Silver, and Gold grades, with the possibility of an upgrade to include diamonds. Pennants appended to the clasp indicated the number of missions completed in specific aircraft types.

Front Flying Clasps were awarded for missions carried out in various Luftwaffe aircraft categories, including day fighters, night fighters, long-range night fighters, heavy fighters, air-to-ground support fighters, bombers, reconnaissance, transport, and gliders.

The introduction dates for the different clasps were as follows:

January 30, 1941, for the Front Flying Clasp
June 26, 1942, for the Pennant to the Gold Front Flying Clasp
April 29, 1944, for the Pennant indicating the number of missions completed

And the criteria for qualification was:

Bronze – 20 flown missions
Silver – 60 flown missions
Gold – 110 flown missions

The Front Flying Clasp of the Luftwaffe Design

Each badge features a central device, typically blackened, encircled by a wreath of laurel leaves situated between two stylized wings composed of oak leaves, with a swastika positioned at the base of the wreath.

The clasps themselves measure approximately 7.5 cm (3 in) by 2.5 cm (1 in). The design of the central device varies based on the type of aircraft flown. Additionally, the clasp pennant was introduced to provide supplementary recognition for an increased number of operational missions or flights, a distinction that expanded as the war progressed.

In accordance with the post-war German Denazification initiative, these clasps were made available for wear in 1957, albeit with their Swastika emblems removed.

More Luftwaffe War Badges

Awarded to members of the German Luftwaffe for their achievements and contributions to air warfare, the Luftwaffe War Badges symbolized excellence, courage, and skill in aerial combat and support roles. Explore the complete collection below: