- Time Period: Nazi Germany (Interwars Period, World War II)
- Institution: October 13, 1939
- 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 World War II.
The original U-boat War Badge was originally instituted during WW1 on February 1, 1918, to recognize U-boat crews who had completed three war patrols. On October 13, 1939, the U-boat War Badge was reinstituted and bestowed in two classes:
- U-Boat War Badge: For the completion of two or more war patrols. Completing two war patrols could be equally dangerous as the U-boat has to endure constant attacks by Allied aircraft and warships. The other occasion when this badge was awarded was having been wounded during a patrol or killed in action.
- U-boat War Badge with Diamonds: It was instituted by Großadmiral Karl Dönitz after he had received from Grand Admiral Erich Raeder a special solid gold version of the U-boat War Badge in which the wreath as well as the swastika were inlaid with diamonds.
This second version of the badge was a special issue award given to U-boat commanders who had received the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves. Made of gold plate over silver and manufactured by Schwerin u. Sohn and Gebr. Godet & Co., it was the same as the basic pattern but with nine small diamonds inlaid in the swastika.
This award was more of a personal award by Dönitz, and approximately 30 were awarded, including the original one to Admiral Dönitz.
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. A submarine lay across the center and the German State Crown was 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”.
Find an U-Boat War Badge
More Naval War Badges
The Naval War Badges (Kriegsmarine) badges were awarded to sailors, officers, and personnel of the Kriegsmarine who demonstrated exceptional skill, bravery, and dedication in naval warfare. Explore the complete collection below:
