History

The Combined Pilot/Observer Badge was instituted by Hermann Göring on March 16, 1936, and was conferred upon members of the Luftwaffe who had previously been awarded the Pilot’s Badge and the Observer’s Badge. In order to be eligible for the award, an individual had to hold both their pilot’s license and observer’s license for at least one year. The badge was instituted as a replacement for the Aircrew Badge.

The Badge with Diamonds was awarded by Hermann Göring in recognition of an exceptional achievement, or in rare cases as an honourary award. There were approximately 50 Badges with Diamonds awarded to high-ranking Luftwaffe Officers and high-ranking allied foreign dignitaries during the Second World War.