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Date Instituted:
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May 30th, 1941
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Awarded To:
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Officers and men of the Kriegsmarine for service on Fast Attack
Craft or Torpedo Boats.
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Required Qualifications:
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12 sorties against enemy vessels/installations, or
Demonstration of outstanding leadership, or
A very highly successful sorite, or
Individual was wounded during an action
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First Awarded:
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Currently unknown
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Number Awarded:
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Currently unknown.
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Grades/Variations:
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This award was made in two distinct versions, both version being shown
here. The first version was the version originally instituted in May of
1941, and is shown here at top. The second version was a replacement design introduced in January
of 1943, and issued exclusively after that time. Another version was also
created in which 9 diamonds replaced the solid bars of the swastika at the
top of the medal. Other than the presence of diamonds, this version was the
same as the first version of the award. Only eight versions of this medal with diamonds
are known to have been awarded, and all to commanders of Schnellboote that
already had been awarded the Knight's Cross with Oakleaves or higher.
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Method of Wear:
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Worn on the lower part of the left brest pocket of the naval service
tunic, underneath the Iron Cross Ist Class if
awarded, or equivalent grade award.
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Notes:
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Prior to 1941, officers and crew of Fast Attack Craft and Torpedo Boats were awarded the
Destroyer War Badge for recognition of meritous service. This practice
was discountinued once this award was instituted.
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Kriegsmarine Fast Attack Craft Badge, version 1
Kriegsmarine Fast Attack Craft Badge, version 2
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