Awards of
World War IIThe award was established on March 26, 1936, for aircrew members who served two or more months as reconnaissance, gunner, or spotter aircraft. Additionally, the Observer badge could be awarded after five combat sorties, or to a crew member wounded during a combat sortie.
The award could be made of zinc, tombac, or aluminum in the form of an oval wreath of oak (right) and laurel (left) leaves, with a silver coating. The wreath featured a blackened image of a soaring eagle holding a swastika in its talons. The eagle is designed slightly differently than the Luftwaffe Pilot badge, and its wingspan is slightly smaller.
The reverse of the award features a vertical pin for attaching to clothing; screw-on versions are also known. Some awards also bear the manufacturer's mark, including: CEJ; C.E Juncker SW.
The recipient could also order a fabric version of the award, embroidered on a piece of fabric. The badge was embroidered with gold metallic thread for officers, and yellow thread for enlisted personnel.
The award measures 54 x 43 mm, with the eagle's wingspan being 48 mm. The award was presented in a blue box with the corresponding document.
The Observer badge, like similar awards, is worn on the left breast pocket, below the Iron Cross First Class.