Question about Luft badges; classification

[Joda]

I'm trying to make order in Luft badges. But I need your help.
Which are "badges" and which are "Awards"?
I hope my poor english is enough to understand what I mean.

My classification is:

Badges:
- Pilot, Combined pilot-observer, Airgunner, Radio Operator, Glider
- Paratrooper

Awards:
- Ground combat

Is this correct according to you?

If so, where the Flak badge can be positioned? Was it a badge or award?

Many thanks in advance,

[Pierre]

The Flak badge is an award: to get it if I well remember 16 points were needed but could also be awarded for single acts of bravery or meritorious leadership.

Don't forget the flight clasps among the awards.

Pierre

[Tim O.]

The division is usually between the following:

Qualification Badges - awarded for qualifying as an aircrew member (Pilot, Combined Pilot and Observer, Observer, Radio Operator/Air Gunner, Flight Engineer, Air Gunner, Glider Pilot, Paratrooper)

War Badges - awarded for taking part in combat (Flak, Ground Assault)

Clasps have usually been considered separately, as they are for taking part in missions over enemy territory or in air space where the enemy is very active but did not actually require combat (although it often occurred). They are therefore I guess best described as 'War Service Awards', although this is not currently a recognised term.

The Gallantry Awards obviously include the Honour Goblet, Iron Crosses, German Cross in Gold and Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, etc. These are specifically awarded for bravery in action.

Campaign Awards include the Crete Cuff Band, Africa Cuff Band, Narvik Shield, Cholm Shield, Kuban Shield, Crimea Shield and East Front Medal. These are awarded for participation in specific campaigns.

Peacetime Service Awards are covered by the Long Service Medals.

The Commemorative Awards cover the relatively peaceful annexations of Austria, Sudetanland and Memel District. They are not strictly military awards.

It will be interesting to see how others view this subject!

Best wishes
Tim O.

[Thomas Durante]

Hi Joda,

I think Tim has done an excellent synopsis for you, not really much to add.

I think we can stick the Retired Pilot badge in there as well, under the Qualification Badges.

Tom

[Joda]

Thank you very much mates, very helpful.

Tim, I permit to add among the campaign awards also Kurland and Metz cufftitles, and Demjansk and Lappland shields.
Do you agree?

Just to became a nice thread!

[Tim O.]

Thank you very much mates, very helpful.

Tim, I permit to add among the campaign awards also Kurland and Metz cufftitles, and Demjansk and Lappland shields.
Do you agree?

Just to became a nice thread!

Hi Joda

My list of campaign awards just included examples so yours certainly fit in too.

Best wishes
Tim O