Established 31 August 1940 | Eligibility Military personnel Status Obsolete | |
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Awarded for service in Kriegsmarine minesweepers |
The Minesweeper War Badge or Minesweepers, Sub-Chasers and Escort-Vessel War Badge (German: Kriegsabzeichen für Minensuch-, U-Boot-Jagd- und Sicherungsverbände) was a World War II German military decoration awarded to Kriegsmarine members for service on minesweepers vessels. The award was instituted on 31 August 1941 by Grand Admiral Erich Raeder.
Contents
Design
The medal, designed by Otto Placzek of Berlin, consists of an outer laurel wreath of oak leaves with the national emblem of eagle clutching a swastika (both golden coloured) at its apex. The central area features a representation of a sea mine exploding (grey colour). Inferior quality late-war versions can appear all gray as the gilt was known to wear off. The medal was produced in tombac and zinc.
The medal was worn on the lower part of the left breast pocket of the naval service tunic, underneath the 1st class Iron Cross if awarded, or equivalent grade award.
Criteria for award
Award of this medal could derive from: