Original Item: Only One Available. The Radio Operator & Air Gunner’s Badge (Fliegerschützenabzeichen für Bordfunker) is a commonly accepted title for the Luftwaffen-Fliegerschützen-Bordfunker-und Bordmechanikerabzeichen (Combined Air Gunner, Radio Operator and Flight Engineer Badge). It was a German military decoration awarded to radio operators, air gunners and mechanics (flight engineers) who were members of the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) after they completed two months training or had taken part in at least five operational flights. If wounded during an operational flight, the badge could be awarded and worn earlier. Later in June 1942, a separate badge was introduced for air gunners and flight engineers. That badge had the same qualifications, and was identical, except that the eagle is not clutching lightning bolts.
This example is manufactured in the early war tombak alloy. The obverse of the badge consists of a half oak half laurel wreath with a mobile swas (hook cross) at the base, with an an “in flight eagle” superimposed on the badge holding lightning bolts in it’s talons. The reverse plain, with a vertical pin, a barrel hinge, and a flat wire catch. The back of the eagle is maker marked B & N / L, for Berg & Nolte of Lüdenscheid, a known maker of Luftwaffe Badges and other clothing accessories.
Offered in very good condition, with a great lightly aged patina.