The Naval Artillery War Badge or War Badge for the Coastal Artillery (German: Kriegsabzeichen für die Marineartillerie) was a World War II German military decoration awarded to the crews of Kriegsmarine land-based marine artillery and anti-aircraft units.[1][2] It was presented to personnel of coastal defense units, and anti-aircraft units. The award was instituted on 24 June 1941 by Grand Admiral Erich Raeder to reward the actions of both individuals and crew members.[2] It was also awarded to those killed in action in said units.[1]
| Naval Artillery War Badge Kriegsabzeichen fur die Marine-Artillerie | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Badge |
| Awarded for | Service in Kriegsmarine land-based marine artillery and anti-aircraft units |
| Presented by | Nazi Germany |
| Eligibility | Military personnel |
| Campaign(s) | World War II |
| Status | Obsolete |
| Established | 24 June 1941 |
Description
editThe medal was designed by Otto Placzek of Berlin. It consists of an outer laurel wreath of oak leaves with the German Eagle at the top, displaying "down-swept" wings while clutching a swastika (both gold in colour). The central area featured a coastal artillery gun with the sea behind (in grey colour). The early war version were made of bronze and later nickel.[2][3] Inferior quality late-war versions were made of "pot or monkey metal".[2] The medal was worn on the lower part of the left breast pocket of the naval service tunic.[3]
Criteria for award
editA crew could receive the award by achieving eight points:[4][5]
- Two for downing an aircraft unassisted
- One for downing an aircraft assisted by another crew
- half a point for non-gun crew members, operating a searchlight, fire control, sound locator or radio operator for aiding in the downing of aircraft
The badge was issued in a single degree only.
Notes
edit- ^ a b Angolia 1987, p. 147.
- ^ a b c d Ailsby 1987, p. 144.
- ^ a b Angolia 1987, p. 148.
- ^ Angolia 1987, pp. 147–148.
- ^ Ailsby 1987, pp. 144–145.
References
edit- Ailsby, Christopher (1987). Combat Medals of the Third Reich. Harpercollins. ISBN 978-0850598223.
- Angolia, John (1987). For Führer and Fatherland: Military Awards of the Third Reich. R. James Bender Publishing. ISBN 0912138149.