Original German WWII Heer Army Flak Anti-Aircraft Artillery Badge by Hermann Aurich of Dresden Original Items

Original Items: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of the rare Army Anti-Aircraft Flak Badge (Heeres-Flak Abzeichen). The army emplacements were fewer in number by far than the Luftwaffe ones, and they also were awarded points at a slower rate, which led to far fewer being award. The badge is constructed of silvered zinc, presenting as an oval oak leaf wreath consisting of eight oak leaves and multiple acorns, topped by a closed-wing Heer (Army) style German national eagle clutching a mobile swas. In the middle is Flak 88 facing towards the top right, with the barrel extending past the wreath.

The reverse is plain with a hinge and vertical pinback meeting a round wire catch. It is maker marked with stylized H over A logo of Herman Aurich, of Dresden, a very rare maker. Medal measures approximately 1.75 inches (44.80 mm) x 2.4 inches (60.02 mm) weighing 31.0 grams, offered in very good condition, with a lovely dark patina. There is a bit of red residue from an old foam rubber case, which can easily be removed.

The Army Anti-Aircraft Badge or Army Flak Badge (Heeres-Flak-Abzeichen) was a German military decoration awarded to German Army personnel for service in an anti-aircraft battery during World War II. Designed by Wilhelm Ernst Peekhaus, it was of single piece construction. The pin back and clasp badge was grey metal in color. The badge was made in one grade; it had the national eagle at the top and an oak leaf wreath around the outside rim. In the middle was an 88 mm flak gun with the barrel facing upwards to the “viewer’s” right.

Criteria
Criteria for the award came from a recommendation by commanders of the rank of General der Artillerie or above. It was awarded after the accumulation of 16 points or could also be awarded outside of the points system for an act of merit or bravery in the performance of anti-aircraft duties. If the candidates’ battery brought down an enemy aircraft then the crew members were awarded four points. If two batteries were involved then each battery received two points. Both officers and crews were eligible for the badge. The commanding officer for an anti-aircraft unit was eligible for the badge once half of his men also qualified for the badge. Unlike the similar German Air Force Anti-Aircraft Flak Battle Badge (Flak-Kampfabzeichen der Luftwaffe), points were only awarded for the downing of aircraft and not ground targets. The award was also available to searchlight crews and sound-locator crews. German Army searchlight crews and sound-locator crews which assisted in the action by detection of aircraft could be awarded one point each.