Night Fighter Operational Flying Clasp (Gold)

The Luftwaffe introduced flying clasps as a way of acknowledging an aircrew’s operational experience. A bronze clasp represented 20 operational flights, silver 60 and gold 110.

Flying clasps were a way of acknowledging an aircrew’s operational experience. First introduced in 1941 for fighter, bomber and reconnaissance crews, the number of clasps expanded to reflect every flying arm of the Luftwaffe. The Night Fighter clasp was introduced in August 1942 and came in long range and short range versions. There were different levels of clasps with bronze represented 20 operational flights, silver 60, gold 110 and an additional pendant for 250.