- Time Period: World War I
- Institution: February 1, 1918
- Country: Germany
The U-boat War Badge (or U-Boot-Kriegsabzeichen in German) was a German war badge that was awarded to U-boat (submarine) crew members during World War I and also World War II. It was originally instituted during WW1 on February 1, 1918, to recognize U-boat crews who had completed three war patrols.
The U-Boat War Badge Design
The badge was worn on the lower left side of the uniform and was oval shaped resembling a wreath of laurel leaves. On the obverse is a submarine laying across the center. The German State Crown is inlaid at the top center of the wreath.
The 1939 version was very similar to the original badge with the exception of the imperial crown being replaced with a German Eagle above a swastika, and a more modernized submarine now facing towards the left was used.
The new version was first made of bronze metal, with later ones made of zinc with a “gold wash”.
More Variants of the U-Boat Badge
