EK 1939 Iron Cross and War Badges with Diamonds Question

[gjw]

Hi, hope this is the correct forum! Anyway, I was wondering were the Diamond grade War Badges (U- Boat, S-Boat, etc) fall into play with regards to order of precedence. Do these badges "outrank" say the German Cross (in Gold), Roll of Honor Clasps of even the Knights Cross? I know that they are worn above the EKI, but what about other decortaions?

I guess, just were do they "fit in"?

Thanks so much!!!!

Greg

Edited August 24, 2011 by gjw

[W McSwiggan]

Not a precise answer to your question but - in the KM, the badges with diamonds were awarded exclusively to knight's cross with oakleaves recipients implying nominal "value" that is equivalent.

I do not believe that much concern was paid to "precedence" as there were many chronological reversals to assumed order such as DKiG being awarded after the RK.

Please accept this input as opinion not gospel.

[PKeating]

It should be noted that diamond-studded KM war badges were semi-official in nature and were by no means given to all Swords recipients. They could be worn in uniform in place of the official war badge, like the Pilot-Observer Badge with Diamonds given to various people by Göring.

[W McSwiggan]

Mr. Keating makes an excellent point as these awards were branch connected and hence subject to the commander's discretion and not an official protocol. KM awarded based on oak leaves. Luftwaffe based on Göring's whim or political expediency - Golden Pilot-Observer Badge to Rommel & Himmler... Defies pidgeon-holing even perceived precedence!