German WWII Kriegsmarine Destroyer’s War Badge by Friedrich Orth-This badge was awarded for 1) participation in three engagements with the enemy; 2) participation in three offensive mine laying operations; 3) 12 operations against the enemy without contact, and under several other possible qualifying conditions. The design was by renowned Berlin artist Paul Casberg. This example is in choice condition. It is produced in zinc, with crisp details. The gold finish on the highly detailed wreath is 90% in place. The details and finish on the ship are excellent. The reverse of this pin is marked with “FO” for Friedrich Orth. The horizontal flat pin setup works as intended. There is a small stabilizer hook at the top, this keeps your pin in place on our tunic. If you have been looking for a nice destroyer badge, this is the one!
History: The Destroyer War Badge was instituted on June 4th, 1940 by the Commander in Chief of the Navy and Grand Admiral, Erich Raeder, for award to destroyer crew members who had participated in the naval battle for Narvik, Norway, under the command of Kommodore Friedrich Bonte. Regulations of October 1940 extended bestowal of the Destroyer War Badge to include other destroyer, torpedo, and E-boat personnel involved in other naval battles who met a preset criterion.