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U-boat Front Clasp

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U-boat Front Clasp
U-boat Front Clasp
designed by Wilhelm Ernst Peekhaus
TypeBadge
Awarded forawarded to recognize continued combat service and valor
Presented byNazi Germany
EligibilityMilitary personnel
Campaign(s)World War II
StatusObsolete
Established15 May 1944[1]
Precedence
Next (lower)U-boat War Badge

The U-boat Front Clasp (German: U-Boot-Frontspange) or U-boat Combat Clasp, was a World War II German Kriegsmarine military decoration awarded to holders of the U-boat War Badge to recognize continued combat service and valor.[1]

History

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The award was instituted on 15 May 1944 to bring the U-boat force in line with other branches of the German armed forces, all of which had a similar award to recognize valor. There were no specified merits for earning the award; decoration was based on the recommendations of the U-boat commander and subject to approval by Karl Dönitz. Awards were often due to the number of patrols completed or demonstrations of valor in combat.[1] The clasp was worn on the upper left breast.[1]

Design

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Wilhelm Ernst Peekhaus of Berlin submitted the design of the badge, which consisted of a central laurel wreath with a stylized submarine and wings of oak leaves. The wings on either side consisted of six staggered oak leaves (for a total of twelve). Two crossed swords decorated the bottom of the central wreath; the submarine in the middle mimicked the design of the U-Boat War Badge. The wreath integrated an eagle with turned down wings holding a swastika.[2][3] After the war ended, sailors in Germany could only wear the medal if it did not include National Socialist emblems – in keeping with the German Ordensgesetz. An alternative design with a complete laurel wreath (without eagle and swastika) with a centered submarine emblem exist for this purpose.

Classes

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The award was bestowed in two classes. The classes of the badge were manufactured in bronze, or silver.[1]

  • Bronze – the lower grade and awarded based on the number of war patrols, the degree of risks involved in the mission and for personal bravery[1]
  • Silver – on 24 November 1944, the silver class was introduced to further recognize bronze holders with continued merits, increased risk and acts of valor[1]

Notes

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g Angolia 1987, p. 152.
  2. ^ Angolia 1987, p. 153.
  3. ^ Ailsby 1987, p. 125.

References

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  • Ailsby, Christopher (1987). Combat Medals of the Third Reich. Harpercollins. ISBN 978-0850598223.
  • Angolia, John (1987). For Führer and Fatherland: Military Awards of the Third Reich. R. James Bender Publishing. ISBN 0912138149.