Balloon Observer's Badge
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (January 2011) |
| Balloon Observer's Badge | |
|---|---|
 Balloon Observer's Badge in Gold | |
| Typ | Badge |
| Eligibility | Military personnel only |
| Campaign(s) | World War II |
| Established | 8th July 1944 |
Description
The Balloon Observer's Badge (German Ballonbeobachterabzeichen) was an award in the Third Reich. It was awarded to recognize the service of officers and men who risked their lives, flying 300–500 ft above the ground in a gas balloon, which were easy targets for Allied pilots. Due to its late introduction, only a very small number were awarded.[1]. The badge was designed by Ellmar Lang who claimed he had the prototype and the badge was never put into production. His claim forms the basis of doubt about the originality of badges which have appeared on the collector's market since the 1960's [2].
Grades
The Ballon Observer's Badge had three grades:[3]
- Bronze, 20 Points
- Silver, 45 Points
- Gold, 75 Points
Points were awarded for particular conditions, such as transportation or control of heavy weapons and artillery.
References
![[icon]](/wiki/File:Wiki_letter_w_cropped.svg){kind=small} | This section is empty. You can help by adding to it. (February 2013) |