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U-boat Front Clasp

The U-boat Front Clasp (German: U-Boots-Frontspange) or U-boat Combat Clasp, as it is better known, was a German badge that was awarded to holders of the U-boat War Badge to recognize continued combat service and valor during World War II.

History

The U-boat Front Clasp was instituted on May 15, 1944 to bring the U-boat force into line with other organizations of the armed forces, all of which had a similar medal to recognize valor. There were no fixed merits to earn the award, but was based on the recommendations of the U-boat commander and subject to approval by Karl Dönitz. Wilhelm Ernst Peekhaus of Berlin submitted the design of the badge which was composed of a laurel wreath surrounding a submarine, surmounted by the national emblem. In each side there were 3 rows of oak leaves with two crossed swords at the base of the wreath emphasizing the military nature of the decoration. All classes of the badge were manufactured in zinc, then either bronzed, silvered or golded.

Classes

The award was bestowed in three classes:

Bronze

The Bronze class was the lowest grade and awarded based on the number of war patrols, the degree of risks involved in the mission and for personal bravery.

Silver

On November 24, 1944, the Silver class was introduced to further recognize Bronze holders with continued merits and acts of valor.

Gold

There were some reports of the Gold class, though it is uncertain if it has ever been awarded.

See also

• Military decorations of the Third Reich

References

• Angolia, John R., For Fuhrer and Fatherland, Military Awards of the Third Reich, R. James Bender, 1976.
• Ailsby, Christopher, Combat Medals of the Third Reich, Patrick Stephens Limited, 1987.

External links

• uboataces.com webpage about U-boat Front Clasp
• uboat.net webpage about U-boat Front Clasp
• wehrmacht-awards.com webpage about U-boat Front Clasp