To recognize the type and number of operational flights undertaken by aircrew and some other Luftwaffe personnel, flight clasps were introduced from January 1941. Known as Flight Bars, Operational Flying Clasps or Squadron Clasps, these badges consist of a central device encircled by a wreath of laurel leaves with the swastika at the bottom (apart from the transport flyers clasp), set between two 'wings' of oak leaves. The device in the centre distinguishes between the types of flight undertaken.
The centre of the badge is blackened with the overall colour of the badge signifying the number of flights made:-
Bronze clasp was awarded for 20 flights
Silver clasp was awarded for 60 flights
Gold clasp was awarded for 100 flights
The wide tapered pin is almost always used for the back fixing mechanism, although variations of colour and shape can be found. The exception being the late war flight clasps by "RS&S" which have a needle pin and ball hinge. The clasps measure 7.5cm x 2.5cm (3" x 1"). The majority of clasps and especially the early manufactured pieces were unmarked. The common makers for those that have maker markings are:-
BSW (letters in a cloverleaf), C.E. Juncker, Berlin SW, F & B.L. , G.H. Osang, Dresden , Imme & Sohn, Berlin,
M. Kunststoff, Gablonz, R.K. , R.S.& S. , R.S.S.
Reconnaissance, Air-Sea Rescue and
Meteorological Squadron Clasp
