The Flyer's Commemorative Badge () was a German military decoration awarded to active and reserve personnel who had been honorably discharged from flying duties.

Luftwaffe The ''Luftwaffe'' () was the aerial-warfare branch of the German ''Wehrmacht'' before and during World War II. Germany's military air arms during World War I, the ''Luftstreitkräfte'' of the Imperial Army and the '' Marine-Fliegerabtei ...

(air force) personnel qualified for the badge after having served as flyers for four years during

World War I World War I (28 July 1914 11 November 1918), often abbreviated as WWI, was one of the deadliest global conflicts in history. Belligerents included much of Europe, the Russian Empire, the United States, and the Ottoman Empire, with fightin ...

or had been honorably discharged after 15 years of flight duty service. However, one could also qualify for the badge if they became disabled due to a flying accident. If one was killed during the course of his flying duties, the badge was given to their next of kin. The badge is commonly known as the "Retired Aircrew Badge". It was awarded prior to 1 September 1939, the start of

World War II World War II or the Second World War, often abbreviated as WWII or WW2, was a world war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. It involved the vast majority of the world's countries—including all of the great powers—forming two opposing ...

in Europe. It is considered one of the most rare flying qualification awards.

Description

The badge came into existence on 26 March 1936. It was to be placed on the lower left breast side of the tunic. It was oval in shape with an outside wreath of oak leaves around each side of the rim in polished silver and a Nazi swastika at the base. At the center of the badge was an eagle "perched" atop a boulder with its wings folded down. This part of the badge was oxidized silver, which gave it a grey appearance in color. The badge measured 54mm by 42mm, being originally produced in nickel silver. Then in 1937, it was produced in aluminum. There are two variations, with one produced with the area around the eagle's legs being solid and another where that same area is cut-out. It was struck in one piece and made by C. E. Juncker. A cloth version was also produced and could be worn on civilian clothes.

Notes

References

* * {{List of military decorations of the Third Reich , state=collapsed Military awards and decorations of Nazi Germany Awards established in 1936