Kriegsmarine Fast Attack Craft Badge

Date Instituted:

May 30th, 1941

Awarded To:

Officers and men of the Kriegsmarine for service on Fast AttackCraft or Torpedo Boats.

Required Qualifications:

  • 12 sorties against enemy vessels/installations, or
  • Demonstration of outstanding leadership, or
  • A very highly successful sorite, or
  • Individual was wounded during an action

First Awarded:

Currently unknown

Number Awarded:

Currently unknown.

Grades/Variations:

This award was made in two distinct versions, both version being shownhere. The first version was the version originally instituted in May of1941, and is shown here at top. The second version was a replacement design introduced in Januaryof 1943, and issued exclusively after that time. Another version was alsocreated in which 9 diamonds replaced the solid bars of the swastika at thetop of the medal. Other than the presence of diamonds, this version was thesame as the first version of the award. Only eight versions of this medal with diamondsare known to have been awarded, and all to commanders of Schnellboote thatalready had been awarded the Knight’s Cross with Oakleaves or higher.

Method of Wear:

Worn on the lower part of the left brest pocket of the naval servicetunic, underneath the Iron Cross Ist Class ifawarded, or equivalent grade award.

Notes:

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 practicewas discountinued once this award was instituted.

Kriegsmarine Fast Attack Craft Badge, version 1
Kriegsmarine Fast Attack Craft Badge, version 1
Kriegsmarine Fast Attack Craft Badge, version 2
Kriegsmarine Fast Attack Craft Badge, version 2