Original Item: One-of-a-kind. The Front Flying Clasp of the Luftwaffe (German: Frontflugspange) was a World War II German military decoration awarded to aircrew and certain other Luftwaffe personnel in recognition of the number of operational flights flown. It was instituted by Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring on 30 January 1941. It was awarded in Bronze, Silver, and Gold with an upgrade to include diamonds possible. Pennants suspended from the clasp indicated the number of missions obtained in a given type of aircraft. Front Flying Clasps were issued for missions completed in the following Luftwaffe aircraft:
– Day Fighters
– Night Fighters
– Long Range Night Fighters
– Heavy Fighters
– Air to Ground Support Fighters
– Bombers
– Reconnaissance
– Transport and Glider
This Reconnaissance Squadron Clasp in Bronze grade was attached to a decorative tin box that was most likely used for cigarets. Remember WWII vintage cigarets were quite a bit shorter than today’s. The box is hinged on one side and works perfectly. Just this thing a Luftwaffe pilot could stash his cigarets in without crushing them when in the cockpit! Not that smoking in a cockpit was a great idea.