| Balloon Observer's Badge Ballonbeobachterabzeichen | |
|---|---|
 Balloon Observer's Badge in Gold | |
| Type | Badge |
| Awarded for | service as a balloon observer |
| Presented by | Nazi Germany |
| Eligibility | Military personnel |
| Campaign(s) | World War II |
| Status | Obsolete |
| Established | 8 July 1944 |
The Balloon Observer's Badge (German: Ballonbeobachterabzeichen) was a military decoration of Nazi Germany during World War II. It was awarded to German Army personnel who operated gas balloons flying them 300 ft (91 m)-500 ft (152 m) above the ground.[1] The balloons were easy targets for Allied pilots and ground fire. Due to its late introduction, only a very small number of badges were awarded.[2]
The die-struck badge features a laurel wreath of oak leaves and acorns surmounted by the national eagle grasping a swastika. Below this is a representation of an observation balloon.[1] The Balloon Observer's Badge had three grades based on a point system: Bronze (20 points); Silver (45 points) and Gold (75 points).[3][4]
Points were awarded for particular conditions, such as the difficulty and success of a mission. There is no record of the gold version ever being awarded.[3][4] Recommendation for the award was rendered by a commanding officer of either the observer unit, artillery unit or army unit.[3]
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