The 'Frontflug-spange für Transport und Luftlandeflieger in Silber' (or 'Operational Flying Clasp for Transport and Glider flights in Silver')

It is a high quality piece made from plated tombak. This 'Silver' award is for 60 flights or missions. The 'Frontflug-spange für Transport und Luftlandeflieger in Silber' (or 'Operational Flying Clasp for Transport and Glider flights in Silver') was awarded to air-crew taking part in transport/supply missions or glider missions over enemy territory or if enemy aircraft are encounted. This one was awarded in May of 1944 according to the accompanying paperwork. This one was awarded in July of 1944 according to the accompanying paperwork. It is very slightly hand vaulted - probably by the original owner to sit better on the uniform. It is believed to be a mid to late war piece and is made from plated zinc by the G.H. The 'Frontflug-spange für Aufklärer' in Silber (or 'Operational Flying Clasp for Reconnaissance Flights in Silver' also for Air/Sea Rescue and Meteorological missions) was awarded to air-crew taking part in reconnaissance, aur/sea rescue or meteorological missions in enemy air-space or if enemy aircraft are encounted during the mission. The designation system changed again in mid-1944 when the gold star was replaced with a box showing the actual number of flights in increments of 100. For recon pilots, it symbolized 250 operational flights. On June 26, 1942, the hanging pendant (sternhanger) was adopted by the Luftwaffe. As the war continued, and the number of operational flights increased dramatically beyond the 110 level, a new symbol was required. Originally the three grades (bronze, silver, gold) were used to designate 20, 60 and 110 flights respectively. I have no provenance that this was actually his clasp.Īll electronic scans remain the copyright © of Bob Schwartz or the specific contributors and cannot be reproduced by either digital, electronic, electrostatic or lithographic or by any other means without expressed permission from the originator of the web site or its contributors.Click on the images to see a larger version and the back of the wing/badge

He flew over 250 missions in Russian & the Mediterranean & scored 124 kills. Long Range Fighter Clasp - The reverse is inscribed 'Oblt Wolf Ettel.' Ettel was a fighter pilot ace who entered the Luftwaffe in 1939.

'1' stamped on pin indicates maker as Deschler & Sohn (Munchen) Short Range Day Fighter's Clasp in Bronze, awarded for 20 operational flight's into enemy airspace.ĭay Fighter Pilot Bronze Operational Flying Claspĭay Fighter Pilot Gold Operational Flying Claspĭay Fighter Pilot Silver Operational Flying Clasp Click on the images to see a larger version and the back of the wing/badge

Luftwaffe flight clasp