Flak-Kampfabzeichen der Luftwaffe 57er Version

Anti-Aircraft Flak Battle Badge (german: Flak-Kampfabzeichen der Luftwaffe) was a

World War II World War II or the Second World War, often abbreviated as WWII or WW2, was a world war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. It involved the vast majority of the world's countries—including all of the great powers—forming two opposing ...

military decoration of

Nazi Germany Nazi Germany (lit. "National Socialist State"), ' (lit. "Nazi State") for short; also ' (lit. "National Socialist Germany") (officially known as the German Reich from 1933 until 1943, and the Greater German Reich from 1943 to 1945) was ...

. It was instituted on 10 January 1941 by

Hermann Göring Hermann Wilhelm Göring (or Goering; ; 12 January 1893 – 15 October 1946) was a German politician, military leader and convicted war criminal. He was one of the most powerful figures in the Nazi Party, which ruled Germany from 1933 to 1 ...

in his capacity as the Commander in Chief of the Luftwaffe. The badge was awarded to servicemen of the Flak artillery who distinguished themselves in action against enemy aerial or ground attacks. Designed by Wilhelm Ernst Peekhaus, the badge was of single piece construction with a pin back and clasp. It was made in one grade; it had a Luftwaffe eagle at the top, and an oak leaf wreath around the outside rim. In the middle was an 88 mm flak gun with the barrel facing upwards to the right. The badge was worn on the lower part of the left breast pocket of the service tunic, underneath the 1st class Iron Cross if awarded.

Criteria

It was awarded after the accumulation of 16 points or could also be awarded outside of the points system for an act of merit or bravery in the performance of air defense duties. If the candidates' battery brought down an enemy aircraft then the crew members were awarded four points. If two batteries were involved then each battery received two points. Both officers and crews were eligible for the badge. The commanding officer for an anti-aircraft unit was eligible for the badge once half of his men also qualified for the badge. The award was also available to searchlight crews and sound-locator crews. Searchlight and sound-locator crews which assisted in the action by detection of aircraft could be awarded one point each. The German Army had a similar

badge A badge is a device or accessory, often containing the insignia of an organization, which is presented or displayed to indicate some feat of service, a special accomplishment, a symbol of authority granted by taking an oath (e.g., police and ...

, however, earning points towards it were only awarded for the downing of aircraft and not for ground targets. Prior to the introduction of the

Ground Assault Badge of the Luftwaffe The Ground Assault Badge of the Luftwaffe (german: Erdkampfabzeichen der Luftwaffe) was a World War II German military decoration awarded to Luftwaffe personnel for achievement in ground combat. It was instituted on 31 March 1942 by the commande ...

, this badge could be awarded to a serviceman for the participation in three separate combat operations against tanks, bunkers or ships.

Notes

References

* * Klietmann, Kurt-Gerhard Klietmann (1981). ''Auszeichnungen des Deutschen Reiches. 1936–1945.'' Motorbuch, Stuttgart. . {{Subject bar , portal1=Military of Germany , portal2=World War II Military awards and decorations of Nazi Germany Luftwaffe Awards established in 1941 Anti-aircraft warfare Military awards and decorations of World War II 1941 establishments in Germany