BACKGROUND: The Wireless Operator’s/Air Gunner’s Qualification badge was introduced by Hermann Göring on March 26^TH 1936 for award to radio operators, air gunners and mechanics who had met the required criteria. The Wireless Operator’s/Air Gunner’s badge was awarded on an individual basis and the main criteria for bestowal of the award was the completion of five operational flights over enemy territory or a minimum of two months active service. As with other flyer’s specialty badges a cloth version of the Wireless Operator’s/Air Gunner’s Badge was authorized for wear on the flight blouse with a machine embroidered pattern for EM/NCO’s and a hand embroidered pattern for Officer’s. Of Note: After the introduction of the Air Gunner’s badge on June 22^ND 1942, the Wireless Operator’s/Air Gunner’s badge was re-designated Bordfunkerabzeichen, (Wireless Operator’s Badge), and was bestowed exclusively to Wireless Operators.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: The badge consists of a roughly, 2 1/4" tall, 2" wide, slightly mottled, Luftwaffe blue/grey, vertically oval, wool base with a machine embroidered, stylized national eagle in flight, clutching dual lightening bolts in its talons, encompassed by a vertically oval, wreath all in silvery/grey cotton threads. The wreath features laurel leaves to the right side and oak-leaves to the left side and a canted swastika to the bottom center. The eagle’s wing tips extended beyond the edges of the wreath. The badge shows light to moderate age and usage toning and minor fraying to the outer edges of the wool base.

GRADE ***                             PRICE $117.00