- Time Period: Nazi Germany (Interwars Period, World War II)
- Institution: 8 July 1944
- Country: Germany
The The Balloon Observer’s Badge (Ballonbeobachterabzeichen in German) is a war badge awarded to officers and men who risked their lives flying 300–500 ft above the ground in a gas balloons. These balloons were easy targets for Allied pilots.
Due to the late introduction of this badge, only a very small number were awarded. It existed in three grades, awarded on a point-basis for different conditions such as transportation or control of heavy weaponry and artillery:
- Bronze: 20 Points awarded.
- Silver: 45 Points awarded.
- Gold: 75 Points awarded.
The Balloon Observer’s Badge Design
The badge was designed by Elmar Lang, although it was never put into production. Lang’s claim to having the prototype design has shed doubt about the originality of badges appearing on the collector’s market.
More Army/Waffen-SS War Badges
The Army/Waffen-SS war badges were military decorations awarded by Nazi Germany to members of the Army (Heer) and the Waffen-SS. Explore the complete collection below:
