(Ballonbeobachterabzeichen des Heeres)

Date Instituted

8 July 1944

Requirements

Awarded to ballon observers (balloons were used for artillery spotting on the Eastern front) on a point basis.
It was awarded in three classes: Bronze, Silver and Gold

Number Awarded

?

Comments

There is a lot of controversy regarding if this award was awarded during the war or not. See Army Balloon Observer's Badge: A Comprehensive Study for more information

Photo courtesy of Claus

Sources used

Christopher Ailsby - World War 2 German medals and political awards
John R. Angolia - For Führer and Fatherland: Military awards of the Third Reich
David Littlejohn - Orders, decorations, medals and badges of the Third Reich