Submarine warfare was used in small anounts during WWI. The ships of that era had limited maneurability, could not dive very deep and had a limited armament. WWII saw a great increase in submarine warfare. advancements in technology created machines that could travel longer distances. They could go to greater depths and had more reliable torpedos. Under the direction of Admiral Dernitz, the U-boat forces of the Third Reich formed attack groups known as wolfpacks. Working to gether, they created a barrier in the Atlantic that nearly starved England.

Life in a WWII submarine was tough. The air was fowl, the space was very limited. Living quarters were cramped. Long days of solitude and complete isolation. News fron home were almost non-existant. submarine duty is not for everyone. Submariners were, and continue to be, a different type of breed.

Hitler recognized the great potential of implementing submarines as part of an overall strategy. He also knew that serving in these ships was a difficult assignment. He authorized the development of an award to recognize the service of so many sailors.

The Submarine badge was introduced in 1939. It was distributed to crew members of submarines in the German Navy (Kriegsmarine). The requirements for recieving the award included the participation in two ro more missions against enemy forces.

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The design of the badge consisted of a wreath in the shape of an oval. It is laid on its side. An eagle is placed on the top section, with a portion of its body extending beyond the perimeter of the wreath, both up and down. The bottom of the wreath has two crossed lines as if though to indicate that it is being tied down.

The eagle has its wings fully spread. They taper down towards the claws. The head is facing to the left. The beak is similar to one seen in a parrot. The eagle is clutching a swastika. A horizontal pin is hinged on one. A catch is placed on the opposite side. The badge is worn on the chest area of the tunic by passing the pin through a series of loops (Two or more) that are sewn to the jacket.

The manufacturer's logo is written in raised letters (F.Q.). It is important to know that not all badges had markings.

The badge was presented wrapped in brown paper inside a blue envelope. An award document was also given to the sailor. In some instances, the envelope had the name of the manufacturer is written on the corner.

This award is currently being reproduced. It is becoming more difficult to be able to tell the fake ones from the real ones because the quality of the reproductions is improving. The collector must become familiarized with the construction style and materials employed in the manufacturing of this badge. Attention to the details is critical in order to be able to determine the authenticity of the badge.