Glider Pilot Badge

Summary

The Glider Pilot's Badge (German: Segelflugzeugführerabzeichen) was a German military decoration that was awarded during World War II to military pilot's who were members of the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) after they completed their glider training. Honorably discharged personnel who met the requirements could also be awarded the badge. A citation was issued with the awarded badge. It was worn on or right below the left breast tunic pocket.[1][2]

Glider Pilot's Badge
Segelflugzeugführerabzeichen
TypeBadge
Presented byNazi Germany
EligibilityMilitary personnel
Campaign(s)World War II
Established1940
First awarded1942

Description edit

The badge was approved in 1940 and first issued in 1942.[1] It was made by C. E. Juncker in Berlin. The badge was oval in shape and had a silver oakleaf wreath around the outside. The middle of the wreath had a dark "oxidized" national eagle in flight. A Nazi swastika was at the bottom middle of the outside wreath. Originally made of aluminum, however, in the latter stages of World War II it was made of metal alloy. The badge measured 42mm wide by 55mm high and the wingspan of the eagle's wings in the middle was 53mm. There was also a cloth version of the badge which could be worn by officers and NCOs.[1][2] The presentation case was dark blue, with a blue satin top liner and a blue velvet bottom liner on the inside.[3]

Notes edit

  1. ^ a b c Angolia 1987, p. 190.
  2. ^ a b Ailsby 2003, p. 62.
  3. ^ Angolia 1987, p. 191.

References edit

  • Ailsby, Christopher (2003) [1994]. A Collector's Guide To: World War 2 German Medals and Political Awards. Ian Allan Publishing, Inc. ISBN 9780711021464.
  • Angolia, John (1987). For Führer and Fatherland: Military Awards of the Third Reich. R. James Bender Publishing. ISBN 0912138149.