Kriegsmarine Coastal Artillery Badge WWII German

Kriegsmarine Coastal Artillery War Badge WW2 German, maker marked ‘FLL 43’ Friedrich Linden – Ludenscheid.  The wreath showing typical loss of the gilt finish.

The Naval Artillery War Badge or War Badge for the Coastal Artillery (Kriegsabzeichen für die Marineartillerie) was a World War II German military decoration awarded to the crews of Kriegsmarine land-based marine artillery and anti-aircraft units.  It was presented to personnel of coastal defense units, and anti-aircraft units. The award was instituted on 24 June 1941 by Grand Admiral Erich Raeder to reward the actions of both individuals and crew members.  It was also awarded to those killed in action in said units.

The medal was designed by Otto Placzek of Berlin. It consists of an outer laurel wreath of oak leaves with the German Eagle at the top, displaying “down-swept” wings while clutching a swastika (both gilt/gold in color). The central area featured a coastal artillery gun with the sea behind (in grey color).