BACKGROUND: The U-Boat War Badge was instituted by Oberbefehlshaber der Kriegsmarine und Großadmiral, (Commander in Chief of the Navy and Grand Admiral), Erich Raeder on October 13TH 1939 for award to all ranks of U-Boat personnel who had served on at least two sorties against the enemy or were wounded in action. The design of the badge was based on the 1918 Imperial U-Boat War Badge but replaced the Imperial crown with the national eagle and swastika. The badge was to be worn on the lower left breast of most uniforms.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Late war, die struck zinc award. Badge in the form of a horizontal oval laurel leaf wreath with national emblem to top encompassing a submarine. This late war example doesn’t have cut-outs between the arms of the swastika, but still has fine cut-away detailing of the submarine's conning tower and flag. Complete pin and catch assembly. The reverse of the badge is well marked with the embossed manufacturers initials, "R.S.", indicating manufacture by Rudolf Souval of Wien.