Destroyer War Badge
{{Short description|World War II German military decoration}}
{{Use shortened footnotes|date=November 2023}}
{{Infobox award
|name=Destroyer War Badge
Zerstörerkriegsabzeichen
|image=Destroyer War Badge.jpg
|image_size=150px
|caption=1957 version (swastika removed)
|presenter=Nazi Germany
|type=Badge
|eligibility=Military personnel
|awarded_for=service in Kriegsmarine destroyers
|campaign=World War II
|status=Obsolete
|description=
|clasps=
|established=4 June 1940
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The Destroyer War Badge ({{Langx|de|Zerstörerkriegsabzeichen}}) as a World War II German military decoration and awarded to officers and crew for service on Kriegsmarine destroyers. It was instituted on 4 June 1940 by Grand Admiral Erich Raeder following the battle of Narvik. It was also awarded to the crews of torpedo boats and fast attack craft until the institution of the Fast Attack Craft War Badge.{{sfn|Angolia|1987|p=127}}
Design
The medal, designed by Paul Carsberg of Berlin, consists of an outer oakleaf laurel wreath of oak leaves with the national emblem of eagle clutching a swastika (both golden coloured) at its apex. The central area features a side-view of a destroyer cutting through a wave (both silver-grey to black in colour).{{sfn|Angolia|1987|pp=127–130}} It was worn on the lower part of the left breast pocket of the naval service tunic, underneath the 1st class Iron Cross if awarded. Additionally, an embroidered cloth version was produced.{{sfn|Angolia|1987|p=130}}
Criteria for award
Required qualifications prior to 10 October 1940 included participation in the battles of Narvik. After this date:{{sfn|Angolia|1987|p=127}}
- Wounded in action
- Served on ship sunk in action (Z1)
- Participation in three enemy engagements or at least in 12 non-enemy sorties
- Outstanding performance or other heroic deeds in a single action
Notes
{{reflist}}
References
- {{cite book | last = Angolia | first = John | title = For Führer and Fatherland: Military Awards of the Third Reich | publisher = R. James Bender Publishing | year = 1987 | isbn = 0912138149 }}
{{List of military decorations of the Third Reich |state=collapsed}}
Category:Awards established in 1940