- Time Period: Nazi Germany (Interwars Period, World War II)
- Institution: 1933
- Country: Germany
The Air Crew Badge was a German award and one of the earliest flight-related badges in the country. The badge was used in the infancy of Germany’s air program. It rewarded pilots and crew members of the German Air Sports Association. It’s hard to tell when the badge was implemented, exactly, but it has been in use since 1933.
Because the Luftwaffe was banned by the Versailles treaty, the Association became a cover to the banned German Air Force until April 1st, 1935. That’s when the Luftwaffe gained official sanction.
The Air Crew Badge became the official Pilot-Observer badge of the Luftwaffe on January 19th, 1935 and was soon replaced by a newer version and then removed from circulation. This makes it one of the most difficult and rarest of all the Luftwaffe badges.
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:
