the costal line represents a point of entry, via sea or air, into the mainland. This is a very strategic area that has to be defended at all cost. No commanding officer can allow the enemy to establish a beach head from where to land troops and equipment for an invasion. Hitler knew this and as a result he established the coastal defenses.

This is a WWII Coastal Artillery badge. As issued during nazi germany. The design consisted of an oval wreath with an eagle on the top portion. A tie in the lower section. The bottom of the oval has a structure that goes from one end to the other and covers about 75% of the space inside the wreath. An artillery piece comes out of the base at an angle. A portion of the tip of the artillery piece protrudes a little outside of the oval.

The eagle has the wings retracted. Its head is facing to the left. The claws are clutching a Swastika. Of Pin back construction. The pin is attached to one end with a square hinge. The catch located at the other end is of a substantial thickness. The badges were worn in combat so the suspension mechanism had to be strong to withstand the abuse.

the back of the badge has the manufacturer's logo embossed. It reads S.H.u.Co., who was a well known manufacturer of Naval badges. Other samples may include RZM markings as well. It is important to know that not all badges were marked. Some of them may have a blank surface in the back.

The wreath and eagle are of gold color. over time and with normal wear, it is possible for the color to fade away turning the entire badge into a shade of gray.

This badge was awarded for distinguished action in the maning of coastal artillery. The award was established on June 24th, 1941. Given to personnel of all ranks who participated in battle or were killed in action.

More specifically, the recipient would have to accumulate a total of 8 points under the following rules.

There are several companies manufacturing replicas of this badge. There is nothing wrong with reproductions provided that the buyer is aware that he/she is purchasing a modern day copy. The best way to be able to distinguish real badges from copies is to research and learn as much as possible about the badge you want to collect. Special attention must be paid to the construction of the real badge. The following picture provides a closer view of the hinging mechanism of the pin. This type of detail is crucial information about the award.