Awards of
World War IIThis award was established on July 4, 1940, for the crews of destroyers, destroyers and torpedo boats, by Gross Admiral Erich Raeder. After the establishment of a special badge for torpedo boats in May 1941, their crews lost the right to be awarded the Destroyer and Torpedo Boat Badge.
The conditions for the award were as follows:
- participation in three direct clashes with the enemy;
- participation in twelve raids without clashing with the enemy;
- sinking an enemy ship;
- being wounded in action;
- rescue from a sunken ship;
- display of exceptional personal courage and heroism;
- participation in the Battle of Narvik.
In addition, a candidate for this honorary badge must have had no disciplinary actions in the previous six months. Since its inception, the badge has been awarded to approximately 6,000 people.
The design of the badge was developed by Berlin graphic artist Paul Karlsberg. The badge was initially made of tombac, and later of zinc, in the form of an oval, gilded wreath of oak leaves. At the top of the wreath is an imperial eagle, with folded wings, holding a swastika in its talons. In the center of the badge is an image of the destroyer Z-21 Wilhelm Heidkamp, the flagship during Operation Weserebüng, sailing through the waves. The destroyer's bow is covered by a wreath on the left side. The dimensions of the badge are 54 x 45 mm, and the wreath is 7 mm wide.
On the reverse of the award is a horizontal pin for attaching to clothing and the maker's mark. Well-known manufacturers include: Schwerin, Gebrüder Wegerhoff, Steinhauer & Luck, Juncker, Josef Feix & Sohn, Rudolf Souval, Friedrich Orth, S.H.u.Co, and Godet. In addition, badges produced in occupied France may be made without a mark.
This badge, like similar awards, is worn on the left breast pocket and, if the recipient has an Iron Cross First Class, is placed underneath it.