History

The Submarine War Badge was instituted by Emperor Wilhelm II on February 1, 1918 to reward the meritorious service of U-boat crews during World War I.

The badge was originally awarded to Non-Commissioned Officers and Enlisted ranks in recognition of a combat wound or three successful war patrols. Later, the badge criteria were amended to also include personnel who had completed two successful patrols, and who had also rendered a minimum of 150 days of service on the open sea.

There were approximately 5,000 badges conferred in total.