Naval Artillery War Badge

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
TypeBadge
Awarded forService in Kriegsmarine land-based marine artillery and anti-aircraft units
Presented byNazi Germany
EligibilityMilitary personnel
Campaign(s)World War II
StatusObsolete
Established24 June 1941

Description

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The 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

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A 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

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  1. ^ a b Angolia 1987, p. 147.
  2. ^ a b c d Ailsby 1987, p. 144.
  3. ^ a b Angolia 1987, p. 148.
  4. ^ Angolia 1987, pp. 147–148.
  5. ^ Ailsby 1987, pp. 144–145.

References

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  • 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.