U-boat Front Clasp
U-boat Front Clasp | |
---|---|
File:U-boat Front Clasp.jpg U-boat Front Clasp designed by Wilhelm Ernst Peekhaus | |
Type | Badge |
Eligibility | Military personnel |
Campaign(s) | World War II |
Status | Obsolete |
Established | 15 May 1944[1] |
Precedence | |
Next (lower) | U-boat War Badge |
The U-boat Front Clasp (German: U-Boot-Frontspange) or U-boat Combat Clasp, was a World War II German Kriegsmarine military decoration awarded to holders of the U-boat War Badge to recognize continued combat service and valor.[1]
History
The award was instituted on 15 May 1944 to bring the U-boat force in line with other branches of the German armed forces, all of which had a similar award to recognize valor. There were no specified merits for earning the award; decoration was based on the recommendations of the U-boat commander and subject to approval by Karl Dönitz. Awards were often due to the number of patrols completed or demonstrations of valor in combat.[1] The clasp was worn on the upper left breast.[1]
Design
Wilhelm Ernst Peekhaus of Berlin submitted the design of the badge, which consisted of a central laurel wreath with a stylized submarine and wings of oak leaves. The wings on either side consisted of six staggered oak leaves (for a total of twelve). Two crossed swords decorated the bottom of the central wreath; the submarine in the middle mimicked the design of the U-Boat War Badge. The wreath integrated an eagle with turned down wings holding a swastika.[2][3] After the war ended, sailors in Germany could only wear the medal if it did not include National Socialist emblems - in keeping with the German Ordensgesetz. An alternative design with a complete laurel wreath (without eagle and swastika) with a centered submarine emblem exist for this purpose.
Classes
The award was bestowed in two classes. The classes of the badge were manufactured in bronze, or silver.[1]
- Bronze - the lower grade and awarded based on the number of war patrols, the degree of risks involved in the mission and for personal bravery[1]
- Silver - on 24 November 1944, the silver class was introduced to further recognize bronze holders with continued merits, increased risk and acts of valor[1]
Notes
- ^ a b c d e f g Angolia 1987, p. 152.
- ^ Angolia 1987, p. 153.
- ^ Ailsby 1987, p. 125.
References
- Ailsby, Christopher (1987). Combat Medals of the Third Reich. Harpercollins. ISBN 978-0850598223.
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(help) - Angolia, John (1987). For Führer and Fatherland: Military Awards of the Third Reich. R. James Bender Publishing. ISBN 0912138149.
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