German WWII Day Fighter Operational Flying Clasp in Bronze-Excellent unmarked example. Detail and finish intact throughout. This displays the burnished arrow and wings heading up. Long bronze pin intact on reverse. This bronze award would be award for 20 operational flights. Excellent example.
History: The operational flying clasps were instituted by Göring on January 30th, 1941, along with two other clasps, in a series of eight that were instituted at different points throughout the war to recognize the increasing number of operational flights achieved by specialized Luftwaffe personnel. All eight of the clasps were awarded in three grades of, Bronze for twenty operational flights, Silver for sixty operational flights, and Gold for one hundred ten operational flights. By mid-1942 many pilots and aircrew were surpassing the number of operational flights required for award of the clasps, so on June 26th, 1942, Göring introduced a starburst pendant device to recognize operational flights of over one hundred and ten with a prescribed number of operational flights required for award depending on the type of clasp. The long-range day fighters were awarded the clasps with the winged arrow pointing downwards. As the war continued and operational mission accumulated, it became readily apparent that some form of recognition must be rendered for missions beyond the 100 level. On June 26th, 1942 the operational flying clasps incorporated a pendant device, a highly polished gold star with laurel leaves right and left and suspended beneath the wreath of the main clasp. In regard to the day fighter (long range fighter) this meant that over 400 missions were completed.