The Luftwaffe Glider Pilot Badge
The Glider Pilot Badge was an activity badge of the German Air Force during World War II. It was established on December 16, 1940, by the Commander-in-Chief of the Luftwaffe, Hermann Göring.
Design of the glider pilot badge
A tall oval badge made of non-ferrous metal or zinc; no other metals are known. The wreath is formed of oak leaves and laurel, each half of the wreath. A swastika is located at the bottom of the wreath. Above it is an eagle with spread wings, gliding. The wings extend above the wreath on both sides. The eagle is attached to the wreath with two rivets. The badge was designed by the graphic artist Wilhelm Ernst Peekaus. The only known manufacturers of the badge were CE Juncker, Berlin, and Brüder Schneider AG, Vienna (BSW).
Requirements for the award of the glider pilot badge
The badge could be awarded to all members of the Air Force who had proven themselves and distinguished themselves after obtaining their glider pilot's license.
Award numbers of the Glider Pilot Badge
Unfortunately, the exact figures are unknown. However, it is assumed that only a few thousand awards were made up until 1945.
How to wear the glider pilot badge
The glider pilot's badge was worn as a pin-on badge on the right breast. If the wearer had also been awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class , the glider pilot's badge had to be worn below the Iron Cross.
The certificate for the glider pilot badge
A certificate of award, signed by the unit commander and bearing the unit's official seal, was issued. The award was also recorded in the recipient's pay book and military service record . This allowed the soldier to prove his eligibility to wear the badge during a potential inspection, or to purchase additional badges if necessary.
Value and purchase
Due to the multitude of different variants, a value can only be determined individually. Individual badges can be worth between €1000 and €2.500, depending on the design. Large estates, including certificates, photos, etc., can sometimes be worth well over €10.000. However, certificates, cases, and photos of the wearer are also of great interest to collectors. We are always interested in purchasing the Glider Pilot Badge, entire estates, or even just parts of estates.
