BACKGROUND: The U-Boat War Badge was instituted by Oberbefehlshaber der Kriegsmarine und Großadmiral, (Commander in Chief of the Navy and Grand Admiral), Erich Raeder on October 13TH 1939 for award to all ranks of U-Boat personnel who had served on at least two sorties against the enemy or were wounded in action. The badge was to be worn on the lower left breast of most uniforms. As a result of the high risk and casualties experienced by U-Boat crew personnel later in the war, the OKM Oberkommando der Marine, (High Command of the Navy), under the direction of Oberbefehlshaber der Kriegsmarine und Großadmiral Karl Dönitz, introduced the U-Boat Combat Clasp on May 15TH 1944 for award to U-Boat personnel in appreciation of the risks they faced. The criteria for award of the U-Boat Combat Clasp varied and was based on the recommendation of the U-Boat commander. Recommendation for award of the U-Boat Combat Clasp was forwarded to the OKM and had to be personally approved by Dönitz before bestowal. Originally the U-Boat Combat Clasp was only awarded in a bronze version, until regulations of November 24TH 1944 introduced a silver version.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Injection molded, zinc alloy construction clasp with a bronze washed finish. The clasp is in the form of a central, horizontally oval laurel leaf wreath, with a national eagle with spread wings superimposed to the top center and crossed swords superimposed to the bottom center, encompassing a cut-out profile view of a submarine flanked by three rows of horizontally extended, overlapping oak-leaves. The badge is nicely detailed and features cut-out detailing to the submarine's conning tower, flag, and the forward deck gun. The reverse of the clasp has a integral hinge, a broad, tapering, fluted, horizontal pin and a heavy soldered catch inset into a circular recess all intact. The reverse is well marked with the embossed designer's name, "Entwurf Peekhaus", and the manufacturer's name and location, "Ausf. Schwerin Berlin 68". Scarce late war award. Nice condition.