Kriegsabzeichen für Minesuch-, U-Bootsjagd- und Sicherungsverbände War Badge for Minesweepers, Sub Hunters, and Security Vessels Date Instituted: August 31st, 1940 Awarded To: Officers and men of the Kriegsmarine or Handelsmarine for service on Minesweepers, Sub-Hunters or Security Vessels. Required Qualifications: Individual made 3 operational sorties, or Individual was wounded on any sortie, or His ship was sunk in action, or A particular sortie was highly successful, or For excellence in duty over 180 days, or For hazardous duty in a mined area, or For performing 25 days of escort duty First Awarded: November 28th, 1940 Number Awarded: Currently unknown, although it is likely that thousands were awarded. Grades/Variations: This badge was awarded almost exclusively in one version, the version shown, although it appears a higher grade existed consisting of the same design but with a set of 9 diamonds in the branches of the swastika at the top in place of the normal swastika. Such a version would only have been awarded in extreme cases to very deserving individuals. A cloth version of the normal issue badge was also issued for wear on the dark blue naval uniform. Method of Wear: 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. Notes: Also awarded post-1943 to members of the Luftwaffe Marine-Sicherungs-Verbände. Kriegsmarine Minesweeper Badge