History

The decoration had been instituted in late 1938 at the latest. Details on the institution are not known.
Even before the outbreak of war, the squadron was renamed Bomber Wing 26. Due to its crest, it was nicknamed "lion wing".

The plaque is rectangular and bordered by a raised edge. It features a crest showing a sitting lion, with the Latin motto "VESTIGIUM LEONIS" (the trace of the lion). Underneath is the unit's name, "Kampfgeschwader 257" (bomber wing 257), and underneath that the rank and last name of the recipient, together with the dates he served in the unit.

The German title for this award is "Ehrenplakette des Kampfgeschwaders 257".