WWII German Kriegsmarine U-Boat Badge with Diamonds

The German WWII U-Boat War Badge with Diamonds was a special issue award given to U-Boat commanders who had received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves. This was the same as the basic pattern of U-Boat Badge, but with nine small diamonds inlaid in the swastika. Approximately 30 were awarded, including the original one to Admiral Dönitz. Our badge is die-struck in fine detail, with the original type wide, flat pin and is maker marked “Schwerin, Berlin 68”.

From Medals & Decorations of the Third Reich, by SS Colonel Dr. Heinrich Doehle. Copyright 1995, J. Rex Reddick:

"The 1939 version of Das U-Boots-Kriegsabzeichen (Submarine War Badge), or U-Boat Badge as it was commonly known, was established on 13 October 1939 through the Commander-in-Chief of the Kriegsmarine. It was awarded to all officers, petty officers, and enlisted men who displayed courage in the face of the enemy on two or more occasions. This requirement was not applicable to those wounded in action. The award of the badge was made through the Commander-in-Chief of the Submarine service and was worn on the left breast. The recipient also received an award document along with the badge."