The Luftwaffe Parachutist Badge (Fallschirmschützenabzeichen in German) was a World War II German military decoration instituted on 5 November 1936 and awarded to qualified parachutists of the Wehrmacht and the Waffen-SS.
The badge was first established by order of Hermann Göring and originally given to Luftwaffe personnel after completion of the required number of six jumps. A recipient had to re-qualify for the badge each year.
An army version was introduced on 1 September 1937, in which the swastika was relocated to the top of the wreath and surmounted by a smaller upright eagle.
The Luftwaffe Parachutist Badge depicts a diving eagle with a swastika in its claws surrounded by a silver wreath. The original construction was made of gold-finished bronze for the eagle and oxidized silver plate for the laurel leaves.
In 1937, the construction of the badge was changed to aluminum and in late 1942 to a metal alloy. A cloth version of the badge was also authorized in 1937, to be worn on a flight jacket.
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:
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