Third Reich Regalia - Luftwaffe Flying Badges

In recent months, interest in Luftwaffe flying badges has sky-rocketed. Consequently, this increase in demand has resulted in a sharp surge in the value of these pieces and unfortunately, a flood of reproductions. The most widely copied of the Luftwaffe flying badges are the pilot's badges. A true expose of the forgeries currently being circulated would require a massive amount of detailed information to be of any true value. Therefore an attempt is made here to supply the collector with several guidelines he may utilize to determine the originality of a pilot's badge. However, at the risk of sounding a bit trite, I feel it must be mentioned that the basic tool one must develope and cultivate is a keen eye to detail and workmanship. This asset must be fostered by the collector if he wishes to succeed in assembling a repro free representation of Third Reich regalia of any type. Even though the products of 1935 to 1945 Germany were not manufactured for the exacting eye of a collector, they do for the most part, reflect an earlier era of the machine age. Detail work was expected of the master engravers of prewar Germany and should be found on any product manufactured during the period. If one must make an excuse for the quality of a pilot's badge he is better off to pass, even if the piece is not a repro, the best investment is in better quality.

The Luftwaffe pilot's badge was awarded in two grades. The basic badge depicts a flying silver eagle imposed upon an oval silver wreath. The wreath is the distinctive feature of the badge. The higher grade or pilot—observer badge is the same essential design as the pilot, but the wreath is gold plated as opposed to the silver used in the basic grade. Therefore, when attempting to determine the originality of either grade, the points to examine are essentially the same.

To begin the appraisal of a pilot's badge, scan the front and back. Feel the metal in your hand, and the weight of the piece. The prewar badges were usually plated brass or zinc and are heavy. If the badge has excessive wear you may be able to detect the base metal, often the chest of the eagle and the swasticka are points to examine for these traces. Brass as a base metal can be considered a good sign, but this should be considered a guage of quality not originality. Certainly many wartime pieces were minted of lower grade metal. However, because brass is hard and takes an exceptionally good strike the better manufacturers depended upon it before the wartime shortages, and these, naturally make the best investment.

The eagle is the next stop in the examination. Look at the wings and check the detail of the feathers. They should be of fine quality and well executed. Each feather should be easily descernable from its counterpart. The fetching on the chest should also reflect the intricate detailing of a master die engraver. The wreath of a quality badge is usually fairly thick. The leaf
decoration should rise above the surface of the wreath giving the leaves dimension. The inside of the wreath should be smooth and well finished. Often the inside of the back of the wreath is beveled and all sharp edges removed. This was done to the higher quality pieces as they were finished off, just before they were plated. Very few period pieces exist that are not well finished on the inside, only those that are late war and of poor quality are unfinished.

Turning to the back of the badge look at the rivits. On a good quality specimen these should be relatively small and well formed. Do make sure they are rivits and not the cut off heads of straight pins. It is not unheard of for the more unscrupulous dealer to re-work a good fake and use pin heads to simulate rivits. Even if the period badge has had to be repaired in this manner, be sure an adjustment in price is allowed.

Now the last critical test, the metal. Pot metal strikes apparently were produced toward the end of the war. However, there are some excellent pot metal copies circulating throughout the country. It is believed they originate from England. The novice collector should therefore avoid pot metal until he developes the skill to differentiate between the new and the old. One key to identifying the fake is the rivits. They are usually large and flat. Occasionally they protrude through the badge too far and come very close to the front surface, if not through. when this
happens, there is damage to the wings and the feathers reflect a distinct lack of detail looking almost as if they had been smashed by a hammer.

The hallmark is no longer a good measure of originality. Many of the good repros now come complete with a hall mark. A good example is the marking GNL. This is a period mark that is now counterfeited. The difference between the copies and the original pieces are twofold. First is the mark. The L in the period monogram is slightly bowed on the horizontal. This gives it the appearance of “rocking". The copies utilize the standard L. The second difference is more critical, especially where these pieces bear a different mark. Inspect the area between the eagle's legs. The tail feathers should be evident. If this area has been completely cut away so that the bird has no tail between his legs be very careful. The period GWL badges are also on the heavy side, while the copies are very light. Recently a pewter based pot metal copy has been appearing on the market. The workmanship is overall of a poor nature, even as far as the stamping. The piece examined bore the club mark but lacked the traditional BSW lettering. The swastika in the eagle's grasp was much too thin and its arms were uneven. These pieces become dangerous when reworked and silverplated by the unscrupulous dealer or collector.

A thesis could be written, complete with measurements and exacting photos, showing the difference between the copies and the copied. However, this is only an article, not a book. If one is judicious and demanding during his examination, and follows the guidelines presented here, there is no reason to be taken by the phonies currently available. In fact, it is more likely that good pieces of lower quality will be bypassed. Bear in mind these are general rules and there are definitely exceptions, but unless a vet actually hands you a piece that does not conform to these guides do not invest in it, it is probably a fake.

Dan McCauley, "Third Reich Regalia, Luftwaffe Flying Badges, Military Collectors Association Journal, Vol. II, No. I, c. 1968

Flyer's Badges of the Luftwaffe

AIRCREW BADGE(FLIEGERSCHAFTSABZEICHEN)

This badge was initiated on January 19, 1935 and initially worn by members ofthe Deutscher Luftsport-Verband who held a flying license. When the new Luftwaffe adopted it in early 1935, it was worn on the left breast pocket by pilots and observers. The horizontal oval wreath was in silver with a black eagle holding a silver swastika.

PILOTS' BADGE I (FLUGZEUGFUHRERABZEICHEN

On March 26, 1936, this newly designed badge was introduced and replaced the Aircrew Badge. The oval wreath was in silver with the raised portions of the design being polished. The eagle and swastika were either in a tarnished silver or a black finish. An embroidered version of this badge existed with the wreath in silver wire, the eagle in a dark-grey thread and the swastika in a matt-aluminum embroidery (officers').

The Pilot's Badge was worn in the middle of the left breast pocket of the tunic or in the approximate area of the Flying Blouse and Evening Full-Dress jacket. If the individual had been awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class, the badge was worn below it.

LUFTWAFFE PILOTS' BADGE (CIVILIAN) (ZIVILE'S FLUGZEUGFUHRERABiEICHEN DER LUFTWAFFE)

Civilian pilots in the Luftwaffe were also permitted a pilot's badge . . . . it was a pair of enameled blue wings with a slanted swastika in the middle. The wings were approximately 8cm wide and 1. 6cm high. The detail of the wings and feathers, the outline of the insignia and the swastika were in gold. It was also available in an embroidered form.

OBSERVERS' BADGE (BEOBACHTERABZEICHEN)

The Observer's Badge, also introduced on March 26, 1936, was for observers, assistant observers, navigators and bombardiers. The oval wreath was in silver with the raised portions of the design being polished. The eagle, in an observing position, was either in a tarnished silver or black finish. An embroidered version of this badge existed with the wreath in silver wire, the eagle in a dark-grey thread and the swastika in a matt-aluminum wire, on a blue-grey base (officers').

COMBINED PILOT/OBSERVER BADGE (GEMEINSAMES FLUGZEUGFUHRER- UND BEOBACHTERABZEICHEN)

This badge was initiated on March 26, 1936, and was for those who held the pilot's and observer's certificates for a minimum of one year. The design of the badge is identical to that of the pilot's but with a gilt wreath, with the raised portions being polished, and a silver eagle and swastika. The embroidered version had the wreath in gold thread, the eagle in aluminum wire and the swastika in silver wire (officers').

AIR-GUNNER'S BADGE WIRELESS/OPERATOR (FLIEGERSCHUTZEN-(BORDFUNKER) ABZEICHEN)

This badge for Air-Gunner/Wireless-Operators was also instituted on March 26, 1936. The wreath was in silver with the raised portions of the design plus the swastika being polished. The eagle, holding the lightning flashes (symbolic of wireless), was in tarnished silver or black. The embroidered version had the wreath in aluminum wire and the eagle and lightning flashes in a grey thread (officers).

AIR GUNNER'S AND FLIGHT ENGINEER'S BADGE (FLIEGERSCHUTZEN- (BORDSCHlhzEN- UND BORDMECHANIKER) ABZEICHEN)

The Air Gunner's and Flight Engineer's Badge was instituted on June 22, 1942 and was identical in design to the Air-Gunner/Wireless-Operator' s Badge with the exception of the lightning flashes being omitted. It was worn by all air gunners (except combination wirelessoperator/air gunners) and flight engineers and flight meteorologists.

On April 25, 1944, a variation of the Air Gunners and Flight Engineer's Badge was introduced for unqualified air gunners without certificate. It was identical in design but with a black wreath and silver eagle (no lightning flashes). It was awarded for a minimum of ten combat flights. This number could be reduced if the unqualified air gunner was wounded during one of the flights.

FLYER'S COMMEMORATIVE BADGE '(FLIEGERERINNERUNGS ABZEICHEN) This badge was awarded to all flying personel (including parachute troops) who had been relieved of all air crew duties, World War I pilots with at least four years service, plus other personnel with at least fifteen years service time. This commemorative badge was also extended to those crippled by an air-associated accident and to the next-of-kin in case of a flying accident resulting in death. The oakleave wreath was in silver with a polished swastika and the eagle sitting on a boulder was in tarnished silver.

An embroidered version of the commemorative badge was also available, but only for officers. The wreath and swastika was in aluminum wire and the eagle and boulder was in a grey thread.The metal version of this badge could be worn with civilian dress. A stickpin form was also permitted on the left collar. Disabled veterans were also allowed to wear a miniature air crew badge with their civilian dress.

PARACHUTIST BADGE (FALLSCHRIMSCHVTZEN ABZEICHEN)

The Parachutist Badge was initiated on November 5, 1936, for qualified parachutist in the Luftwaffe. The wreath was black with a gold diving eagle and swastika (the highlights of the eagle and swastika were polished). The embroidered version has the wreath in white thread for NCOs and men and in aluminum wire for officers. The eagle and swastika was in gold colored thread for NCOs and men and in gold wire for officers.

GLIDER PILOTS' BADGE (LW-SEGELFLUGZEUGFUHRERABZEICHEN)

The Glider Pilot's Badge was instituted on December 16, 1940, and awarded to those having obtained the military glider pilot's certificate. The wreath and swastika were in silver and the eagle was black or in tarnished silver. It could be worn only on a Wehrmacht or NSFK uniform. The embroidered version has the wreath in aluminum wire, the swastika in bright (silver) wire, and the eagle in grey for officers.

Roger James Bender: "Air Organizations of the Third Reich-The Luftwaffe", 1972.

R. James Bender Publishing

Illustration by R. Kahl

Luftwaffe NCO Preparatory School

In spite of intensive recruitment for volunteers and the passing on of volunteers from the Flieger-HJ who ensured the continuation of the Unteroffizier-Korps der Luftwaffe (Airforce NCO Corps), officials of the State Ministry of Air Traffic (Reichsluftfahrtministerium) in Berlin continued to watch the development of the Heeres-Unteroffizier-Vorschulen (Army NCO Preparatory Schools, further referred to as HUVS) which had been instituted on April 1, 1940. Upon noting the initial test results obtained from these schools, it was decided that Unteroffizier- Vorschulen fur die Luftwaffe (Airforce NCO Preparatory Schools, further referred to as LUVS) should be instituted and based on the army pattern. The first LUVS opened its doors on May I, 1941 and was based upon the principles and standards of the HUVS. The first company was stationed at the city of Annaberg near the border of Czechoslovakia.

At the Inspektion fur Erziehung und Ausbildung der Luftwaffe (Inspection of Airforce Education and Training) which was led by Generalmajor Tschoeltsch, a special office was instituted and was independent in its thinking. In August 1941 the LUVS was expanded: the 1st company was enlarged, and the new 2nd, 3rd and 4th companies were stationed at Castle Hubertusburg at Wermsdorf near Leipzig under the command of Oberst Drauts.

The LUVS consisted of a staff (see below for special distinctive insignia) and 200 students. A company consisted of four platoons, two of which formed a so-called "inspection." As previously indicated, the LUVS was similar in organization to the HUVS, but with special training based on Luftwaffe needs. The goal was to prepare these students for any of the secondary Unteroffizierschulen with specific training in their later profession as flight personnel, signals, antiaircraft artillery, parachutist or ground personnel. Educators of general education were called Obelfachschullehrer. Additional technical training, such as driving of small vehicles, was not taught at the LUVS.

On November 22, 1941 the LUVS was renamed Unteroffizierschulen der Luftwaffe (Airforce NCO Schools, further referred to as LUS) in spite of the fact that the youngsters had not reached the minimum age for Armed Forces service. The commands of the schools also changed their names to Kommando der Unteroffizierschulen der Luftwaffe.l Since 1942 no new students were accepted at the airforce institution, or those of the army and navy. Annaberg/ Wermsdorf remained the only school of this type until 1942. But on April 1, 1942 new schools were instituted: LUS 2 at Stetten (Stuttgart); LUS 3 at the castle at Werneck (between the cities of Wtirzburg and Schweinfurt) and LUS 4 at Neu-Sandez in the Generalgouvernement (the Polish area). Volunteers who joined these institutions had to be at least 17 years of age.

Between January and March 1944 a number of students were transferred into the Reichsarbeitsdienst (RAD), but returned to Annaberg/Wermsdorf on April 1, 1944. This school was now officially designated at LUS 1 and organized just as was LUS 2, 3 and 4. The boys were "appointed" as soldiers with the rank of Airforce NCO, but the final goal of the schools was never achieved. The LUV students were put into action in late 1944 on the battlefield near Aachen (Htirtgenwald) where they suffered heavy losses. Only a few students survived the war.

Uniforms and Insignia

The uniforms worn were as those of the German Luftwaffe, but in a lighter blue. A grey-blue shirt and black tie were worn with the Waffenrock and Fliegerbluse. The collar was worn open. The collar patches were of an oblong style as used at the Lufwaffenmusikschule at Sondershausen, but in yellow and without the metal gulls as normally worn by the Luftwaffe. On the lower portion of the patch the so-called Jahrgangsabzeichen were worn, consisting of a small lace: first year one white lace; second year two; and third year three. A period photo shows two laces and a pip. The purpose of this is not known but is believed to be for Zugfiihrer. Initially, the piped shoulder straps had no number designation, but later both shoulder straps carried an Arabic number" I" embroidered in yellow. Collar patches and shoulder straps were also worn on the greatcoat.

Other basic uniform parts and insignia consisted of: a piped visored cap with regular Luftwaffe national eagle emblem and winged wreath/cockade; a field cap with regular cloth cockade and eagle emblem. They were also supplied with long trousers and probably with standard Luftwaffe equipment such as steel helmets and belts with the Luftwaffe buckle. The regular Drillich uniform was also worn. Note: a Luftwaffe eagle emblem was worn above the right breast pocket, but a cuffband, as worn by the HUVS, Heeres- and Luftwaffenmusikschule, was not instituted for the LUVS.

There was a uniform color difference for UVS 1 and 2 in contrast with UVS 3 and 4. The color for UVS 1 and 2 were of a lighter blue-grey whereas the color for UVS 3 and 4 was the regular Luftwaffe uniform color.

From August 12, 1942 the students at LUS 1, 2, 3 and 4 were authorized the wear of a grey-blue round patch with the letters "US" in matte-grey emboidery. This patch was to be worn on the lower right sleeve of the Waffenrock, approximately 1.0cm above the cuff sleeve.When the Fliegerbluse was worn it was in the same position. Students were authorized to wear this patch until they were officially appointed as NCOs. Note that the wear of this patch has not been observed in any of the available photographs.

Shooting awards (Schiessauszeichnungen), in the style of smaller lanyards worn at the HUVS, were not introduced at the LUVS, neither were the distinctive insignia (Dienststellungsabzeichen) for functions as Stuben- or Klasseniilteste (room and class students with seniority). The proper manner of addressing the students was Unteroffiziervorschiiler. It is not known why the term Jungflieger was not used, although the army used Jungschiitze and the navy used Jungmatrose. Once again, it appears that the LUS was independent in their own matters.

Officers, NCOs and enlisted ranks (known as Stammpersonal) who were assigned to an LUVS were ordered to the wear the uniform of their "old" branch. On June 30, 1941 they were authorized to wear the "UVS" cypher on their shoulder straps: for officers-gold metal; NCOs who were authorized to wear a Portepeewhite metal; all others, including NCOs who were not authorized to wear a Portepee-white embroidery. All were on shoulder straps piped with their "old" branch of color. Shoulder straps and boards could be obtained through outlets of the Kommando der Unteroffizierschulen und Unteroffiziervorschulen del' Luftwaffe at their particular Luftgaukommando. When the LUVS was renamed, a November 22, 1941 order was published which stated that the letters "UVS" were to be replaced by "US."

Research by George A. Petersen Translated by Mathieu de Wolf / Mentored by Wilhelm PBR. Saris;UNTEROFFIZIER-VOLSCHULEN DER LUFTWAFFE, The Military Advisor, Fall 2003

Bender-Publishing.com

Luftwaffe Gravity Knives

One of the best examples of German equipment designed for a specific purpose is the Luftwaffe Gravity Knife. This knife. also called a Paratrooper Knife, was issued to Luftwaffe personally as a general utility knife. Its primary designed function was to provide parachute troops, and other flying personel, with a heavy duty, reliable knife for a variety of functions.

These knives were made in two distinct types and finishes. They each consisted of a steel single edged blade which slid point frist out of the handle. The mechanism was operated with one hand by a lever and was practically infallable. Both types had a folding pick and large carrying ring on the end opposite the blade. Both types had wood grips as well. The sole difference in the two types of knife is that one could be taken apart by pressing a small square metal plate imbedded in the grip. This is the type generally issued to parachutists. There was also a variance in finished from blued steel to nickle plating.

Often you will find knives with makers marks on the blades. but not all, particularly the blued ones will have them. There is invariably a serial number on the base of the pick and I or one on the thumb lever. Often military acceptance proofs are stamped on the blade or pick base in the form of an eagle.

Unattributed: "LUFTWAFFE GRAVITY KNIVES", "Der Haren Kreuz" c. 1968

Introduction to Luftwaffe Uniforms

Uniforms of the Luftwaffe

By Hitler's decree of February 26, 1935, the Luftwaffe was to be officially the third branch of the Wehrmacht as of March 1, 1935. The new Luftwaffe was faced with the problem of uniforms. .. . they wanted a distinctive uniform from those of the other two branches of the Wehrmacht (Heer and Kriegsmarine) and also wanted a clear separation in dress of military and civilian flyers.

Preceeding the March 1 date, all those in secret training for the Luftwaffe wore the basic Deutscher Luftsport- Verband uniform with minor variations. After carefull examination of production costs of an entirely new uniform it was decided to utilize the basic grey blue DLV uniform with newly designed Luftwaffe insignia. Among these were the Luftwaffe national emblem (a flying eagle clasping a swastika), a new and extensive use of Waffenfarben, some changes in the DLV collar rank insignia and the adoption of the Army's shoulder strap ranking system.

With the passage of time, a number of various uniforms evolved in cut and design which were designated to cover any occasion Luftwaffe personnel would encounter. Among these were:

(a) Flying Service Uniform for flying personnel
(b) Field Dress
(c) Service Dress
(d) Guard Uniform
(e) Undress Uniform for officers and NCOs which lead (on duty)
(f) Reporting Uniform
(g) Parade Dress
(h) Walking-Out Dress
(i) Informal Full Dress (day) for officers
(j) Formal Full Dress (day) for officers
(k) Informal Full Dress (evening) for officers
(l) Formal Full Dress (evening) for officers (m)Informal Full Dress for NCOs and men
(n) Formal Full Dress for NCOs and men
(0) Summer Uniform for officers
(p) Sports kit

Roger James Bender: "Air Organizations of the Third Reich-The Luftwaffe", 1972. R. James Bender Publishing

www.bender-publishing.com

Flyer's Badges

AIRCREW BADGE (FLIEGERSCHAFTSABZEICHEN) This badge was initiated on January 19, 1935 and initially worn by members of the Deutscher Luftsport- Verband who held a flying license.
When the new Luftwaffe adopted it in early 1935, it was worn on the left breast pocket by pilots and observers. The horizontal oval wreath was in silver with a black eagle holding a silver swastika.

NOTE:
The following badges which had embroidered versions, were in aluminum or silver wire (where specified) for officers and the appropriate colored cotton thread for NCOs and enlisted men. It should be noted that these were purchased privately and not an awarded item.

PILOTS' BADGE I (FLUGZEUGFUHRERABZEICHEN)

On March 26, 1936, this newly designed badge was introduced and replaced the Aircrew Badge. The oval wreath was in silver with the raised portions of the design being polished. The eagle and swastika were either in a tarnished silver or a black finish. An embroidered version of this badge existed with the wreath in silver wire, the eagle in a dark-grey thread and the swastika in a matt-aluminum embroidery

The Pilot's Badge was worn in the middle of the left breast pocket of the tunic or in the approximate area of the Flying Blouse and Evening Full-Dress jacket. If the individual had been awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class, the badge was worn below it.

Luftwaffe Pilot's Badge Civilian (ZIVILES FLUGZEUGFUHRERABZEICHEN DER LUFTWAFFE) Civilian pilots in the Luftwaffe were also permitted a pilot's badge . . . . it was a pair of enameled blue wings with a slanted swastika in the middle. The wings were approximately 8cm wide and 1. 6cm high. The detail of the wings and feathers, the outline of the insignia and the swastika were in gold. It was also available in an embroidered form.

OBSERVERS' BADGE (BEOBACHTERABZEICHEN) The Observer's Badge, also introduced on March 26, 1936, was for observers, assistant observers, navigators and bombardiers. The oval wreath was in silver with the raised portions of the design being polished. The eagle, in an observing position, was either in a tarnished silver or black finish. An embroidered version of this badge existed with the wreath in silver wire, the eagle in a dark-grey thread and the swastika in a matt-aluminum wire, on a blue-grey base (officers').

COMBINED PILOT/OBSERVER BADGE (GEMEINSAMES FLUGZEUGFUHRER- UND BEOBACHTERABZEICHEN) This badge was initiated on March 26, 1936, and was for those who held the pilot's and observer's certificates for a minimum of one year.
The design of the badge is identical to that of the pilot's but with a gilt wreath, with the raised portions being polished, and a silver eagle and swastika. The embroidered version had the wreath in gold thread, the eagle in aluminum wire and the swastika in silver wire (officers').

AIR-GUNNER'S BADGE/WIRELESS-OPERATOR (FLIEGERSCHUTZEN-(BORDFUNKER) ABlEICHEN) This badge for Air-Gunner/Wireless-Operators was also instituted on March 26, 1936. The wreath was in silver with the raised portions of the design plus the swastika being polished. The eagle, holding the lightning flashes (symbolic of wireless), was in tarnished silver or black. The embroidered version had the wreath in aluminum wire and the eagle and lightning flashes in a grey thread (officer s').

AIR GUNNER'S AND FLIGHT ENGINEER'S BADGE (FLIEGERSCHUTlEN- (BORDSCHUTlEN- UND BORDMECHANIKER) ABlEICHEN) The Air Gunner's and Flight Engineer's Badge was instituted on June 22, 1942 and was identical in design to the Air-Gunner /Wireless-Operator' s Badge with the exception of the lightning flashes being omitted. Itwas worn by all air gunners (except combination wirelessoperator/air gunners) and flight engineers and flight meteorologists.

On April 25, 1944, a variation of the Air Gunners and Flight Engineer's Badge was introduced for unqualified air gunners without certificate. It was identical in design but with a black wreath and silver eagle (no lightning flashes). It was awarded for a minimum of ten combat flights. This number could be reduced if the unqualified air gunner was wounded during one of the flights.

FLYER'S COMMEMORATIVE BADGE (FLIEGERERINNERUNGS ABlEICHEN) This badge was awarded to all flying personnel (including parachute troops) who had been relieved of all air crew duties, World War I pilots with at least four years service, plus other personnel with at least fifteen years service time. This commemorative badge was also extended to those crippled by an air-associated accident and to the next-of-kin in case of a flying accident resulting in death. The oakleave wreath was in silver with a polished swastika and the eagle sitting on a boulder was in tarnished silver.

An embroidered version of the commemorative badge was also available, but only for officers. The wreath and swastika was in aluminum wire and the eagle and boulder was in a grey thread.

The metal version of this badge could be worn with civilian dress. A stickpin form was also permitted on the left collar. Disabled veterans were also allowed to wear a miniature air crew badge with their civilian 7 dress.

PARACHUTIST BADGE (FALLSCHRIMSCHIRM ABZEICHEN) The Parachutist Badge was initiated on November 5, 1936, for qualified parachutist in the Luftwaffe. The wreath was black with a gold diving eagle and swastika (the highlights of the eagle and swastika were polished). The embroidered version has the wreath in white thread for NCOs and men and in aluminum wire for officers. The eagle and swastika was in gold colored thread for NCOs and men and in gold wire for officers.

THE ARMY PARACHUTIST BADGE AT LEFT WAS INSTITUTED ON JUNE 15, 1937 AND WORN BY ARMY PARACHUTISTS UNTIL JANUARY 1, 1939, WHEN THEY CAME UNDER THE COMMAND OF THE LUFTWAFFE. THE ARMY EAGLE AND WREATH WERE IN GILT AND THE DIVING EAGLE IN SILVER.

NOTE:
An order dated October 19, 1939, gave the following regulations for the awarding of Flier's Badges for the duration of the war.

1. Pilot's Badge - after obtaining the pilot's certificate 2. Observer's Badge - after five combat flights or two months after obtaining the Observer's, Navigator's or Bombardier's certificate 3. Wireless-Operator/Flight Engineer/Air Gunner - after five combat flights or two months after obtaining the appropriate certificate

7Anzugordnung der die Luftwaffe, revised April 1, 1937, pp.149/150.

8 Luftwaffen- Verordnungsblatt, November 16, 1936. The order was numbered 1491 and dated November 5, 1936.

9 Luftwaffen- Verordnugsblatt, November 6, 1939. The order was numbered 314 and dated October 19, 1939.

GLIDER PILOTS' BADGE (LW-SEGELFLUGZEUGFUHRERABZEICHEN) The Glider Pilot's Badge was instituted on December 16, 1940, and awarded to those having obtained the military glider pilot's certificate.
The wreath and swastika were in silver and the, eagle was black or in tarnished silver. It could be worn only on a NSFK or Wehrmacht uniform. The embroidered version has the wreath in aluminum wire, the swastika in bright (silver) wire, and the eagle in grey for officers.

Roger James Bender: "Air Organizations of the Third Reich-The Luftwaffe", 1972. R. James Bender Publishing

www.bender-publishing.com