Balloon watcher badge

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Representation of the balloon observer badge in the 57 version

The balloon observer badge was a badge of achievement of the German Wehrmacht in the Second World War for the observers in tethered balloons who had proven themselves on the front in recognition of their commitment. It could be awarded to officers , NCOs and men .

Appearance and texture

The badge consists of a highly oval wreath of oak leaves and shows in the center a zeppelin-like tethered balloon with a bar cross and the national emblem of the Wehrmacht attached to the upper area. The badge is 41 mm wide, 58 mm high and made of fine zinc. It was worn on the left side of the chest.

Award Regulations

With the regulation on the introduction of the balloon observer badge of July 15, 1944 were u. a. the award regulations define:

Level I. bronze for 20 points
Stage II silver for 45 points
Stage III gold for 75 points

These points were awarded according to certain conditions, for example for perfect clarification of tactically important goals,

a) that are of particular importance for the leadership (marches, gatherings, transport movements of all kinds) per destination 1 point,

b) which were combated with heavy weapons (artillery or air force), 1 point per target.

The general of the artillery was authorized to award the artillery to the chief of the general staff of the army. The first stage was awarded on December 12, 1944. Nothing is known about the awarding of levels 2 and 3.

Others

According to the law on titles, medals and decorations of July 26, 1957, wearing the version of the Third Reich in the Federal Republic of Germany is only permitted without National Socialist emblems.

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