Original OUTSTANDING WWII German Luftwaffe (Airforce) WIRELESS OPERATOR’S/AIR GUNNER’S BADGE (Fliegerschützenabzeichen für Bordfunker) Certified

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Original WWII German Luftwaffe (Airforce) WIRELESS OPERATOR’S/AIR GUNNER’S BADGE (Fliegerschützenabzeichen für Bordfunker) Certified.  The Wireless Operator’s/Air Gunner’s Qualification badge was introduced by Hermann Göring on March 26TH 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: Originally the cloth version of the Wireless Operator’s/Air Gunner’s badge was only authorized for wear by Officer’s ranks until regulations of November 18TH 1937 extended the authorized wear of the cloth versions to EM/NCO’s. Further regulations of May 8TH 1942 discontinued production of the cloth versions although they continued to worn through-out the war. Also Of Note: After the introduction of the Air Gunner’s badge on June 22ND 1942, the Wireless Operator’s/Air Gunner’s badge was re-designated Bordfunkerabzeichen, (Wireless Operator’s Badge), and was bestowed exclusively to Wireless Operators. A zinc construction badge with silver wash. The badge is in the form of a nicely convexed, vertically oval wreath with laurel leaves to the left side and oak-leaves to the right side with a swastika superimposed to the bottom center. Mounted on the wreath is a highly vaunted, stylized eagle in flight clutching dual lightning bolts in its talons. The eagle is secured to the wreath by two small dome headed rivets which are visible on the reverse. The eagles wing tips extend just beyond the outer edge of the wreath. The badge shows nice quality detailing including a cut-out to the top arm of the swastika and additional cut-outs to the lightning bolts. Complete with original hinge (pin that holds the main pin on is replaced with a small piece of wire), pin and catch assembly.  Shows the expected age, wear and use.  In good condition. Gettysburg Museum Certified (COA) provided. 100% Guaranteed to be authentic brought home by a U.S. Veteran. Sold for historic purposes only. See our other pieces on our web site. Also note when browsing our web site there are several pages of items, at the bottom of the list look for other page number! OUTSTANDING Veteran Bring back EXAMPLE!