Air Raid Protection Honor Badge, 2nd Class, lightweight aluminum version

Air Raid Protection Honor Badge, 2nd Class . The badge, made of aluminum (lightweight version), is in very good, unworn condition. It bears no maker's mark, but is a known and reliable variant. It is on its ribbon with a sewn-on pin. Diameter of the medal: 38,8 mm.

• • Shape and material: A round medal, made of either aluminum (lightweight version) or zinc (heavyweight version). There are no versions made of non-ferrous metals.
  • Front: It shows a slightly raised, large swastika standing on its point. This is surrounded by the inscription "For Meritorious Service in Air Raid Protection." This inscription is encircled by a detached oak leaf wreath, which is itself enclosed by a dense oak leaf wreath. It is tied at the bottom and consists of nine oak leaves on each side.
  • Back: The year "1938", the year of the foundation
  • Band: The medal was worn on a light grey ribbon with thin black, white and red side stripes.

• • Target group: The award was intended for individuals who had been involved in civil air defense from January 30, 1933 onwards. This included members of the Reich Air Defense League (RLB), the Security and Auxiliary Service (SHD), factory air defense organizations, and the civilian population.
  • Criteria: The prerequisite was exceptional merit or long-standing, faithful service in air raid protection. During the Second World War, it was increasingly awarded for courageous conduct in firefighting and rescue operations after Allied air raids.

• Order of magnitude: The exact number of awards is unknown due to the war. However, experts and historians estimate the number of awards of the 2nd class to be several hundred thousand, as civil air defense was a mass organization and the awarding practice was greatly expanded, particularly in the second half of the war.