Naval Artillery War Badge

Naval Artillery War Badge Kriegsabzeichen fur die Marine-Artillerie
Awarded by Nazi Germany
Type	Badge
Eligibility	Military personnel
Awarded for	service in Kriegsmarine land-based marine artillery and anti-aircraft units
Campaign	World War II
Status	Obsolete
Statistics
Established	24 June, 1941

The Naval Artillery War Badge or War Badge of the Coastal Artillery (German: Kriegsabzeichen für Marineartillerie) was a World War II German military decoration awarded to the crews of Kriegsmarine land-based marine artillery and anti-aircraft units. Initially presented to only coastal air defense units, it was later awarded to crews of guns positioned against naval targets.

The award was instituted on 24 June, 1941 by Grand Admiral Erich Raeder to reward the actions of both individuals and crew members.

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 coastal artillery cannon with the sea behind (both a grey colour). Inferior quality late-war versions can appear all gray as the gilt was known to wear off.

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

A crew could receive the award by achieving eight points:

• Two for downing an aircraft unassisted
• One for downing an aircraft assisted
• Five for aiding in the downing of aircraft for radar, searchlight or other such units

The badge was issued in a single degree only. A version of the Naval Artillery War Badge with diamonds was discussed amongst Kriegsmarine leaders, but no regulations were ever established regarding a diamonds version of the badge nor was a Naval Artillery War Badge with diamonds ever produced.