BACKGROUND: A combat award, instituted in January 1918, for U-Boat personnel who had engaged in action against the enemy or for three combat patrols during the Great War.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: The die struck alloy/zinc award, with gilt wash, takes the form of a horizontal oval laurel leaf wreath, 50mm across, which encompasses a profiled submarine, with masts, all surmounted by the crown of the Hohenzollerns. Height from top to bottom is roughly 48mm. To its solid-back reverse is a horizontal pin, hinge and catch assembly. Retains about 80% of its original gilt wash. This example was produced during the Third Reich period as a replacement award. Nice example.