IdentifyMedals Logo

Tag: Third Reich Badges

The Honor Roll Clasp of the Army

The Honor Roll Clasp of the Army / Heer was a German decoration first issued in July 1941 after the German invasion of the Soviet Union.

The Honor Roll Clasp (or Ehrenblattspange in German) was a World War II German military decoration issued in July 1941 after the German invasion of the Soviet Union.

The Honor Roll existed in three different versions: One for the Army (Heer), one for the Air Force (Luftwaffe), and one for the Navy (Kriegsmarine) – all of which also have de-nazified versions.

To be eligible for the clasp, across all three services, a recipient must have:

  • Previously received the Iron Cross in both the first and second classes;
  • Demonstrated further distinction in combat subsequent to being awarded the Iron Cross in both classes; and
  • Been listed in the Honor Roll of the German Army.

The Honor Roll of the German Army (or Ehrenblatt des Deutschen Heeres) was initially released in July 1941 and documented the names of soldiers who had displayed extraordinary valor in combat. It was originally published in the Army Ordinance Gazette (Heeres-Verordnungsblatt).

The Honor Roll Clasp of the Army Design

The clasp was crafted from gilt metal and features a wreath measuring 24.5 mm in diameter, composed of six clusters of oak leaves on either side. At its widest point, the wreath measures 5 mm in width, narrowing to a point at the apex where two oak leaves met tip-to-tip. The badge’s height from base to tip is 26 mm. The reverse of all clasps has four pins for attachment.

The Honor Roll Clasp of the Army / Heer shows a large swastika superimposed (soldered) on the wreath.

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:

See all war badges >

The Honor Roll Clasp of the Kriegsmarine

The Honor Roll Clasp of the Kriegsmarine was a German decoration first issued in July 1941 after the German invasion of the Soviet Union.

The Honor Roll Clasp (or Ehrenblattspange in German) was a World War II German military decoration issued in July 1941 after the German invasion of the Soviet Union.

The Honor Roll existed in three different versions: One for the Army (Heer), one for the Air Force (Luftwaffe), and one for the Navy (Kriegsmarine) – all of which also have de-nazified versions.

To be eligible for the clasp, across all three services, a recipient must have:

  • Previously received the Iron Cross in both the first and second classes;
  • Demonstrated further distinction in combat subsequent to being awarded the Iron Cross in both classes; and
  • Been listed in the Honor Roll of the German Army.

The Honor Roll Clasp of the Kriegsmarine (Ehrentafel der Deutschen Kriegsmarine) was established in February 1943 and received a wearable decoration (seen in the picture) in May 1944.

The Honor Roll Clasp of the Kriegsmarine Design

The clasp was crafted from gilt metal and features a wreath measuring 24.5 mm in diameter, composed of six clusters of oak leaves on either side. At its widest point, the wreath measures 5 mm in width, narrowing to a point at the apex where two oak leaves met tip-to-tip. The badge’s height from base to tip is 26 mm. The reverse of all clasps has four pins for attachment.

The Honor Roll Clasp of the Kriegsmarine shows a swastika superimposed on an anchor.

More Naval War Badges

The Naval War Badges (Kriegsmarine) badges were awarded to sailors, officers, and personnel of the Kriegsmarine who demonstrated exceptional skill, bravery, and dedication in naval warfare. Explore the complete collection below:

See all war badges >

The Honor Roll Clasp of the Luftwaffe

The Honor Roll Clasp of the Luftwaffe was a German decoration first issued in July 1941 after the German invasion of the Soviet Union.

The Honor Roll Clasp (or Ehrenblattspange in German) was a World War II German military decoration issued in July 1941 after the German invasion of the Soviet Union.

The Honor Roll existed in three different versions: One for the Army (Heer), one for the Air Force (Luftwaffe), and one for the Navy (Kriegsmarine) – all of which also have de-nazified versions.

To be eligible for the clasp, across all three services, a recipient must have:

  • Previously received the Iron Cross in both the first and second classes;
  • Demonstrated further distinction in combat subsequent to being awarded the Iron Cross in both classes; and
  • Been listed in the Honor Roll of the German Army.

The Honor Roll Clasp of the Luftwaffe (Ehrenblatt der Deutschen Luftwaffe) was established on July 5, 1944, concurrently with the introduction of the decoration. Air Force personnel who had previously been awarded The Luftwaffe Honour Goblet or the Luftwaffe Honour Plate were automatically eligible for the Air Force Honour Roll Clasp. 

The Honor Roll Clasp of the Luftwaffe Design

The clasp was crafted from gilt metal and features a wreath measuring 24.5 mm in diameter, composed of six clusters of oak leaves on either side. At its widest point, the wreath measures 5 mm in width, narrowing to a point at the apex where two oak leaves met tip-to-tip. The badge’s height from base to tip is 26 mm. The reverse of all clasps has four pins for attachment.

The Honor Roll Clasp of the Luftwaffe shows the Luftwaffe eagle within the circular gilt metal oak wreath.

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:

See all war badges >

The Front Flying Clasp of the Luftwaffe

The Front Flying Clasp of the Luftwaffe was a WW2 German military decoration awarded to Luftwaffe personnel for operational flights.

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:

See all war badges >

The Naval Front Clasp

The Naval Front Clasp was a World War II German military decoration awarded to officers and men of the Kriegsmarine during the Third Reich.

The Naval Front Clasp (or Marine-Frontspange in German) was a German military decoration awarded during World War II.

Established in 1944, the recipients were officers and enlisted personnel of the Kriegsmarine for their prolonged and frontline service across all naval units, except for the submarine service, which had its separate award.

This bronze clasp recognized service or acts of valor that exceeded the requirements of the basic war badge. Instituted on November 19, 1944, by Grand Admiral Karl Dönitz.

The Naval Front Clasp Design

Each wing consisted of six staggered oak leaves, totaling twelve. At the bottom of the central wreath, an anchor adorned the design.

More Naval War Badges

The Naval War Badges (Kriegsmarine) badges were awarded to sailors, officers, and personnel of the Kriegsmarine who demonstrated exceptional skill, bravery, and dedication in naval warfare. Explore the complete collection below:

See all war badges >

The U-Boat Front Clasp

The U-Boat Front Clasp was a World War II German Kriegsmarine military decoration awarded during the Third Reich.

The U-boat Front Clasp (or U-Boot-Frontspange in German) was a German military decoration awarded for continuous service and valor during World War II.

Established on May 15, 1944, the award aimed to align the U-boat force with other branches of the German armed forces, each possessing comparable accolades to honor acts of valor. Merits for receiving the award were not explicitly outlined; rather, decorations were conferred based on recommendations from U-boat commanders, subject to approval by Karl Dönitz.

Often, awards were granted in recognition of the number of completed patrols or displays of bravery in combat. The clasp was worn on the upper left breast.

The award was conferred in two tiers, distinguished by their material.

  • Bronze: This represented the lower grade and was granted based on criteria such as the number of war patrols undertaken, the level of risk inherent in the missions, and individual acts of bravery.
  • Silver: Introduced on November 24, 1944, this class aimed to extend recognition to bronze recipients who continued to demonstrate merit, faced heightened risks, and displayed acts of valor.

The U-Boat Front Clasp Design

Wilhelm Ernst Peekhaus from Berlin presented the design for the badge, featuring a central laurel wreath adorned with a stylized submarine and wings made of oak leaves.

Each wing consisted of six staggered oak leaves, totaling twelve. At the bottom of the central wreath, two crossed swords adorned the design, while the submarine in the middle echoed the U-Boat War Badge’s design. Integrated into the wreath was an eagle with downturned wings grasping a swastika.

Following the conclusion of the war, German sailors could only wear the medal if it did not bear National Socialist symbols, in accordance with the German Ordensgesetz. An alternative design featuring a complete laurel wreath, devoid of the eagle and swastika, with a submarine emblem centered within, was created for this purpose.

More Naval War Badges

The Naval War Badges (Kriegsmarine) badges were awarded to sailors, officers, and personnel of the Kriegsmarine who demonstrated exceptional skill, bravery, and dedication in naval warfare. Explore the complete collection below:

See all war badges >

The Naval Artillery War Badge

The Naval Artillery War Badge was a World War II decoration awarded to the crews of land-based marine artillery and anti-aircraft units.

The Naval Artillery War Badge (or Kriegsabzeichen für die Marineartillerie in German) was a military decoration bestowed upon the personnel serving in land-based marine artillery and anti-aircraft units of the Kriegsmarine during World War II.

Instituted on June 24, 1941, by Grand Admiral Erich Raeder, this badge was presented to individuals and crew members of coastal defense units as well as anti-aircraft units in recognition of their valorous actions. Additionally, it was awarded posthumously to those who lost their lives in action while serving in this unit.

The badge was granted in a singular degree. To earn the award, a crew needed to accumulate eight points, which could be obtained as follows:

  • Two points for independently downing an aircraft.
  • One point for jointly downing an aircraft with the assistance of another crew.
  • Half a point for non-gun crew members who contributed to the downing of aircraft by operating searchlights, fire control systems, sound locators, or serving as radio operators.

The Naval Artillery War Badge Design

The medal, designed by Otto Placzek of Berlin, comprises an outer laurel wreath adorned with oak leaves, with the German Eagle positioned at the apex, its wings gracefully downturned as it clutches a golden swastika. In the center, a coastal artillery gun is depicted against a backdrop of the sea, rendered in grey.

Early versions of the medal were crafted from bronze, later transitioning to nickel. However, towards the end of the war, inferior quality versions were fashioned from materials such as “pot or monkey metal”. This medal was traditionally worn on the lower section of the left breast pocket of the naval service tunic.

More Naval War Badges

The Naval War Badges (Kriegsmarine) badges were awarded to sailors, officers, and personnel of the Kriegsmarine who demonstrated exceptional skill, bravery, and dedication in naval warfare. Explore the complete collection below:

See all war badges >

The Destruction of Low-Flying Aircraft Badge

The Destruction of Low-Flying Aircraft Badge was a German war badge awarded to Waffen SS and Wehrmacht Heer soldiers during World War II.

The Destruction of Low-Flying Aircraft Badge (Tieffliegervernichtungsabzeichenin german) was a German war badge intended for Waffen SS and Wehrmacht Heer soldiers who successfully brought down low-flying aircraft using only handheld weapons during World War II. 

Instituted in January 1945, there remains some contention regarding whether any were physically awarded during the war (as there is only documentation).

Given the late introduction of this badge, it is improbable that it was awarded in its original form during the war and more likely that any instances of its presentation occurred in the revised 1957 version.

The Destruction of Low-Flying Aircraft Design

The Destruction of Low-Flying Aircraft Badge featured a metal airplane. It was mounted on a ribbon backing and available in bronze, silver, or gold colors, with corresponding black stripes denoting the grade.

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:

See all war badges >

The Driver Proficiency Badge

The Driver Proficiency Badge was a German military badge awarded to drivers of military transport vehicles during World War II.

The Driver Proficiency Badge (Kraftfahrbewährungsabzeichen in German) was a German honor bestowed upon qualified drivers of military transport serving in the Wehrmacht and the Waffen-SS of Nazi Germany World War II.

Established on October 23, 1942, the Driver Proficiency Badge aimed to recognize the skill and dedication of military transport vehicle drivers, encompassing trucks, cars, and motorcycles, who served specific durations in war zones subsequent to December 1, 1940. Eligibility extended to both military personnel and civilian drivers operating under Wehrmacht command, as well as foreign volunteers, excluding members of forces allied with Germany.

Qualification for the badge necessitated service from December 1, 1940, onwards in frontline or rear areas across the Balkan, North African, and Eastern Fronts, with additional areas incorporated as the conflict unfolded. The duration of service requisite for each type of vehicle varied: 90 days for motorbike reconnaissance and dispatch riders, 120 days for supply vehicles supporting the frontline, and 135 days for other categories of military transport.

The silver badge was conferred upon meeting these requirements for a second time, with the gold awarded for a third instance. In instances where drivers encountered exceptionally challenging conditions or achieved notable driving feats, shorter qualifying periods could be considered. Authorization for awards rested with battalion commanders and higher ranks, or for civilians, with the Ministry of the Interior.

However, the badge could be revoked if the recipient demonstrated reckless driving or failed to maintain their vehicle. Notably, it could not be bestowed posthumously.

The Driver Proficiency Design

The badge comprised a laurel wreath, measuring 44 mm in height and 41 mm in width, encasing a representation of a steering wheel. Crafted from iron or zinc alloy, it possessed an appropriate color finish. Mounted on a fabric base, it was affixed to the uniform jacket above the left cuff.

Bundeswehr members who had earned the badge during the war were permitted to wear it on the ribbon bar, represented by a small replica on a field grey ribbon.

Following the prohibition of wearing Nazi-era decorations in 1945, and unlike many awards, the original design of the Driver Proficiency Badge remained unaltered, as it did not incorporate the swastika symbol. 

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:

See all war badges >

The Parachutist Badge (Army Version)

The Parachutist Badge was awarded to qualified parachutists of the Wehrmacht and the Waffen-SS during the Third Reich in Germany.

The Parachutist Badge (Army Version) (Fallschirmschützen-Abzeichen des Heeres in German) was a prestigious honor bestowed upon qualified parachutists serving in the Wehrmacht and the Waffen-SS of Nazi Germany World War II.

Initially instituted by order of Hermann Göring on November 5, 1936, the badge was primarily awarded to Luftwaffe personnel upon completion of six jumps (The Parachutist Badge – Luftwafe Version). The army version was introduced on September 1, 1937. 

Similar to the Luftwaffe, recipients were obligated to requalify for the badge annually. In 1936, the army initiated its own parachute company, later expanding it to a battalion in 1938.

Waffen-SS personnel serving in the 500, 501, or 502 SS-Parachute Battalions were awarded the Luftwaffe badge upon meeting jump and other test requirements. Following the transfer of army parachute units to the Luftwaffe in 1939, former army soldiers continued to wear the army version of the Parachutist badge. 

The Parachutist Badge (Army Version) Design

Originally, the Luftwaffe version featured a depiction of a diving eagle clutching a swastika within its talons, encircled by a silver wreath. In this version, though, the swastika was positioned at the top of the wreath and topped by a smaller upright eagle.

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:

See all war badges >