 |
 |
LUFTWAFFE
Anti
Aircraft Badge
On 19 July the firm of Ernst Peekh submitted to the air force ministry, for their approval, a metal badge which consisted of a wreath was a flying Luftwaffe eagle clutching a swastika which was sweated on to the wreath.
The
central design of the badge was made of a 8.8 cm Anti Aircraft Gun, pointing
upwards and to the right. The reverse is flat with a vertical needle pin.
The
earliest badges where constructed in nickel silver or very rarely in Aluminum,
but as the war progressed the badge was made in zinc, pot or monkey metal.
The
badge was approved and introduced on 10 Jan 1944 and the criteria for its award
was on a points basis.
Sound
locator and search light crews were also eligible for the award. One point for
each direction was awarded, sixteen points being required for the award of the
badge.
The
criteria for the Anti Aircraft batteries were,
1
Shooting down an aircraft unaided- four points
2
Shooting down an aircraft aided by another crew- Two points
3
Five unsuccessful engagements with enemy targets
4
Three actions were an aircraft was downed
5
Any single act of bravery or merit which occurred in the course of air defense
6
Three successful ground engagements against ships, tanks or fortifications
7
When the battery commander had half of his company awarded this badge, he then
become eligible himself for the award
The
badge was awarded either in a blue box, with the title stenciled on its lid in
silver, or in a proper packed with the name of the badge printed on it.
The
citation came in numerous variations.
|
|
|