WW2 Kriegsmarine Minesweeper crew War Badge in Silver

The Minesweeper War Badge or Minesweepers, Sub-Chasers and Escort-Vessel War Badge (German: Kriegsabzeichen für Minensuch-, U-Boot-Jagd- und Sicherungsverbände) was a World War II German military decoration awarded to Kriegsmarine members for service on minesweepers vessels. The award was instituted on 31 August 1941 by Grand Admiral Erich Raeder.

Design.

The medal, designed by Otto Placzek of Berlin, consists of an outer laurel wreath of oak leaves with the national emblem of eagle clutching a swastika (both golden coloured) at its apex. The central area features a representation of a sea mine exploding (grey colour). Inferior quality late-war versions can appear all gray as the gilt was known to wear off. The medal was produced in tombac and zinc.

The medal was worn on the lower part of the left breast pocket of the naval service tunic, underneath the 1st class Iron Cross if awarded, or equivalent grade award.

Criteria for award.

Award of this medal could derive from:

• Recommendation from a ship's captain if the candidate had completed three operational sorties
• Wounded during an operational sortie
• Had shown exemplary conduct in the execution of his duties over a six-month period
• Completed a specially dangerous mission in a mined area
• Served on escort duty for 25 days or more
• Participated in a specific mission that had been successfully completed
• Ship was sunk due to enemy action.

• Minesweepers, Sub-Chasers and Escort-Vessel War Badge Kriegsabzeichen für Minensuch-, U-Boot-Jagd- und Sicherungsverbände
  Awarded by Nazi Germany
  Type	Badge
  Eligibility	Military personnel
  Awarded for	service in Kriegsmarine minesweepers
  Campaign	World War II
  Status	Obsolete
  Statistics
  Established	31 August 1940

                                                                
Friedrich Ruge inspecting sailors wearing the Minesweeper War Badge