Ranks and insignia of the Luftwaffe (1935–1945)

The ranks of the Luftwaffe were similar to other branches of the Wehrmacht.

Rank insignia

rank		 Insignia Title Approximate US [1] & Commonwealth
equivalents during World War II
ShoulderCollarSleeve,
(Flight suit)
General officer ranks
Reichsmarschall General of the Armies No equivalent
OF-10 Generalfeldmarschall (Field Marshal) General of the Army Marshal of the RAF
OF-9 Generaloberst (General) General Air Chief Marshal
OF-8 General of the branch (Lieutenant General) Lieutenant General Air Marshal
OF-7 Generalleutnant (Major General) Major General Air Vice-Marshal
OF-6 Generalmajor (Brigadier General) Brigadier General Air Commodore
Officer ranks
OF-5 Oberst (Colonel) Colonel Group Captain
OF-4 Oberstleutnant (Lieutenant Colonel) Lieutenant Colonel Wing Commander
OF-3 Major (Major) Major Squadron Leader
OF-2 Hauptmann (Captain) Captain Flight Lieutenant
OF-1a Oberleutnant (First Lieutenant) First Lieutenant Flying Officer
OF-1 Leutnant (Second Lieutenant) Second Lieutenant Pilot Officer
Non-Commissioned Officer ranks
OR-8 Stabsfeldwebel (Master Sergeant)Master SergeantWarrant Officer
OR-7 Oberfähnrich (master sergeant[officer candidate]) Flight cadet Acting pilot officer
OberfeldwebelTechnical SergeantFlight Sergeant
OR-6 Feldwebel (Technical Sergeant) Staff Sergeant Sergeant
OR-5a Fähnrich (Cadet) Flight Cadet Officer Cadet
Unterfeldwebel (Staff Sergeant) Sergeant Corporal
OR-5b Fahnenjunker (Cadet)Flight CadetOfficer Cadet
Unteroffizier (Sergeant)CorporalCorporal
Enlisted ranks
OR-4 Stabsgefreiter (Staff Lance Corporal) from 1944 Private First Class Senior Aircraftman
OR-3 Hauptgefreiter until 1944 Private First Class Senior Aircraftman
Obergefreiter (Corporal)Private First ClassLeading Aircraftman
OR-2 Gefreiter (Acting/Lance Corporal)Private First ClassAircraftman 1st Class
OR-1 Flieger (Private)PrivateAircraftman 2nd Class

Luftwaffe war badges
Combined Pilots-Observation Badge Pilot's Badge Luftwaffe Paratrooper Badge Anti-Aircraft Flak Battle Badge
Tank Combat Badge of the Luftwaffe Ground Assault Badge of the Luftwaffe Observer Badge Aircrew Badge
Glider Pilot Badge Radio Operator Badge and Air Gunner Badge Sea Battle Bdge
Flyer's Commemorative Badge

Luftwaffe flying clasps

Luftwaffe Flying Clasps were awarded in Bronze, Silver, and Gold with upgrade possible to include diamonds. Pennants suspended from the clasp indicated the number of missions carried out in a given type of aircraft. Flying Clasps were issued for missions completed in the following Luftwaffe aircraft:

  • Day Fighters
  • Night Fighters
  • Long-Range Night Fighters
  • Heavy Fighters
  • Air to Ground Support Fighters
  • Bombers
  • Reconnaissance
  • Transport and Glider
Luftwaffe Flying Clasps

References
  1. WAR DEPARTMENT TECHNICAL MANUAL TM-E 30-451, p. I-6/7
  • Mitcham, Samuel W. (2008). The Rise of the Wehrmacht: The German Armed Forces and World War II, Volume 1. ABC-CLIO. ISBN 978-0-275-99659-8.
  • Ruffner, Kevin Conley (1990). Luftwaffe Field Divisions 1941-45. Osprey Publishing. ISBN 978-1-85532-100-7.

See also main articles
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