Balloon Observer's Badge
The Balloon Observer's Badge (Ballonbeobachterabzeichen) was a military decoration of Nazi Germany during World War II. It was awarded to German Army personnel who operated gas balloons flying them 300 ft-500 ft above the ground. The balloons were easy targets for Allied pilots and ground fire. Due to its late introduction, only a very small number of badges were awarded.
Balloon Observer's Badge
- Name
- Balloon Observer's Badge Ballonbeobachterabzeichen
- Period
- 1944
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Documentary summary
The Balloon Observer's Badge (Ballonbeobachterabzeichen) was a military decoration of Nazi Germany during World War II. It was awarded to German Army personnel who operated gas balloons flying them 300 ft-500 ft above the ground. The balloons were easy targets for Allied pilots and ground fire. Due to its late introduction, only a very small number of badges were awarded.
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wikidata · Q805314 · wikipedia · Balloon Observer's Badge
In this article
Overview
Overview
The die-struck badge features a laurel wreath of oak leaves and acorns surmounted by the national eagle grasping a swastika. Below this is a representation of an observation balloon. The Balloon Observer's Badge had three grades based on a point system: Bronze (20 points); Silver (45 points) and Gold (75 points). Points were awarded for particular conditions, such as the difficulty and success of a mission. There is no record of the gold version ever being awarded. Recommendation for the award was rendered by a commanding officer of either the observer unit, artillery unit or army unit.
Key facts
Key facts
• Name — Balloon Observer's Badge Ballonbeobachterabzeichen • Presenter — Nazi Germany • Type — Badge • Eligibility — Military personnel • Awarded For — service as a balloon observer • Campaign — World War II • Status — Obsolete • Established — 8 July 1944
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reference work
- “Balloon Observer's Badge”, English Wikipedia, consulted as further reading
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authority record
- Wikidata, structured authority record Q805314: Balloon Observer's Badge
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General reference
The Encyclopedia exists whether or not anything is for sale. Corrections are recorded rather than overwritten, and every version of this record is kept. Published 16 August 2026.
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