The Observer's Badge () was a German military decoration that was awarded before and during
World War II to members of the German Air Force (
Luftwaffe). They qualified for the badge after completing two months of qualifying service and five operational flights in the role of observer, navigator or bombardier; also, it could be awarded after a member of the German Air Force was wounded while acting in the capacity of an observer during a qualifying flight. It was worn on the left breast tunic pocket of an air force or political uniform tunic. A citation was issued with the awarded badge. Thereafter, Luftwaffe service personnel who had already been awarded the
Pilot's Badge An aviator badge is an insignia used in most of the world's militaries to designate those who have received training and qualification in military aviation. Also known as a Pilot's Badge, or Pilot Wings, the Aviator Badge was first conceived to rec ...
and Observer's Badge could qualify for the
Pilot/Observer Badge. After 31 July 1944 the regulations were changed and the recipient had to have held both qualification certificates for at least one year to qualify for the Pilot/Observer Badge.
Description
The badge was approved in November 1935 and first issued on 26 March 1936. It was made by C. E. Juncker, P. Meybauer and several others. The badge was oval in shape and had a silver-plated oakleaf wreath around the outside. The middle of the wreath had an "oxidized" national eagle "in a watching attitude", clutching a Nazi
swastika
The swastika (卐 or 卍) is an ancient religious and cultural symbol, predominantly in various Eurasian, as well as some African and American cultures, now also widely recognized for its appropriation by the Nazi Party and by neo-Nazis. It ...
in the middle of the outside wreath. Originally made of silver nickel, after 1937 they were made of aluminum and during
World War II it was made of metal alloy. The badge measured 42mm wide by 53mm high and the wingspan of the eagle's wings in the middle was 53mm. There was also a cloth version of the badge. The presentation case was dark blue, with a blue satin top liner and a blue velvet bottom liner on the inside.
See also
*
Aircrew Badge (Nazi)
Notes
References
*
*
{{Subject bar
, portal1=Military of Germany
, portal2=World War II
Military awards and decorations of Nazi Germany
Awards established in 1935