Luftschultz Ehrenzeichen

[Darrell]

Hi all,

What exactly was the "Luftschutz" medal awarded for?

Translated it says "For Merit in the Air Defence".

Was it awarded to Civilians only? Say for helping run Air Defense Radar, or Organizing and helping in Bomb Shelter Operations?

Was it awarded to Military Personnel also?

Interesting is the 1938 date ... the date of institution of the medal?

Thanks.

[Tom Yanacek]

Hello Darrell,

The Luftschutz Award 2nd Class was instituted on January 30, 1938 hence the '1938' date on the reverse is the year of institution as you said. It was awarded to persons for honorable service in the civil defense of Germany. The award was retroactive for service from January 30, 1933. It was awarded to members of the National Air Raid Protection Service, the Voluntary Civil Defence Service, the Fire and Emergency Police, Factory Police, and the Regular Police. This medal was primarily a civilian award, although Göring, Milch, and some other high-ranking members of the Luftwaffe received the 1st Class Luftschutz Award.
Best regards! Tom
BTW: Nice medal.

[Darrell]

Hello Darrell,

The Luftschutz Award 2nd Class was instituted on January 30, 1938 hence the '1938' date on the reverse is the year of institution as you said. It was awarded to persons for honorable service in the civil defense of Germany. The award was retroactive for service from January 30, 1933. It was awarded to members of the National Air Raid Protection Service, the Voluntary Civil Defence Service, the Fire and Emergency Police, Factory Police, and the Regular Police. This medal was primarily a civilian award, although Göring, Milch, and some other high-ranking members of the Luftwaffe received the 1st Class Luftschutz Award.
Best regards! Tom
BTW: Nice medal.

Thanks Tom. Interesting info. Now I know

[McCulloh]

und au...

...some members of the Wehrmacht and Luftwaffe-of NCO and jr officer ranks also received the Luftschutz award-mostly for training civil defense teams, teaching classes etc. etc..
However, these are rare and if you see one on a ribbon bar or medal bar it is a cause for concern, as fakers love to add it as a "come on" oddity/rareity.