The Collector’s Encyclopaedia · Decorations · Civil awards

Air Raid Protection Decoration: History, Grades and Collector’s Guide

Air Raid Protection Decoration – example from the Autographs & Militaria collection
Example from the collection: Original WWII German Honour Decoration Luftschutz Ehrenzeichen 1st Class 1938
Period 1938–1945
Grades First grade (cross); second grade (medal)
Awarded to Members of the civil air defence organisation and others serving in air raid protection
Material Later medals often in zinc
In the collection 1 piece currently available (see below)

The Air Raid Protection Decoration (Luftschutz-Ehrenzeichen) recognised service in civil air defence, which became vital as Allied bombing intensified. It is a home-front award, and its documents often name ordinary civilians.

What Was the Air Raid Protection Decoration?

The decoration was awarded from 1938 to 1945 in two grades: a cross for the first grade and a medal for the second. Recipients included members of the Reich Air Protection League (Reichsluftschutzbund) and others serving in civil defence. The Deutsches Historisches Museum holds a second-grade medal made of zinc.

Who Awarded It, and Which Documents Go With It?

Certificates were issued by the air defence authorities. See award documents.

What Should Collectors Watch For?

  • Zinc medals are prone to corrosion; describe condition honestly.
  • The first-grade cross is much scarcer than the medal.
  • Documents to named civilians are of real historical interest.

Legal note. In Germany the 1957 Orders and Decorations Act allows Second World War awards to be worn only without National Socialist emblems, which is why “1957 pattern” versions without the swastika exist. The public display of Nazi symbols is restricted in Germany, Austria and several other countries. Owning, buying and selling original decorations as historical objects is treated differently from country to country, so check the law where you live and where you ship.

Collector’s Note

These awards bring the bombing war into view from the ground. I find the documents, with their local addresses, especially telling.

Related Entries and Pieces

Pieces in the Collection

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Frequently Asked Questions

What was the Luftschutz-Ehrenzeichen?

An award for service in civil air defence.

How many grades were there?

Two: a cross and a medal.

Is the second-grade medal common?

Yes, much more common than the cross.

Historical Responsibility Notice: this entry documents historical figures and artefacts of the National Socialist period for collecting, preservation, education and research. It does not endorse or glorify any ideology, and it is written in memory of the victims of the regime.

References & Further Reading