Awards
As a German cyber-squadron, JG-1 “Fritz Schmenkel” uses awards and decorations that are based firmly on the historical system used by the Luftstreitkräfte der Nationalen Volksarmee (1956-1990). All awards and decorations are used to recognize excellence, and where possible the historical requirements have been maintained.
Historical grades and variations of the awards and decorations have also been preserved. The idea is to ensure that JG-1 pilots have an immersive experience within this squadron.
The current JG-1 “Fritz Schmenkel” awards and decorations are divided into seven specific categories. They are:
Basic Qualification
These are progressive qualifications, where lower attainments must be achieved before the higher ones can be earned. Only the highest achieved qualification is actively displayed by a pilot. Retention of these basic qualifications are determined by a pilot's participation levels, and the currency requirements of the Geschwader.
Dog Tags (Erkennungsmarken)
Issued to all pilots upon entering JG-1. New pilots are given the introductory rank of Offz.-S., 1, and are made Kadetten.
Pilot’s Certificate (Erlaubnisschein für Luftfahrtpersonal)
Given for the successful completion of all pre-Class A/B evaluations.
Radiolocation Career Badge (Funkortung Dienstlaufbahnabzeichen)
Given to JG-1 pilots who complete Ground-controlled interception (GCI) training and act in that capacity within at least one operational mission.
Pilots Badge I (DDR Orden Klassifizierungsabzeichen für Flugzeugführer 1974-1985 Stufe I)
Given for the successful completion of all Klasse A instruction. The pilot is promoted to the rank of Offz.-S., 2 and moved on to Klasse B training.
Pilots Badge II (DDR Orden Klassifizierungsabzeichen für Flugzeugführer 1974-1985 Stufe II)
Given for the successful completion of all Klasse B instruction. The pilot is promoted to the rank of Offz.-S., 3, and is assigned to a Jagdstaffel.
Pilots Badge III (DDR Orden Klassifizierungsabzeichen für Flugzeugführer 1974-1985 Stufe III)
Given to an officer-ranked JG-1 pilot who has completed Klasse C instruction. The officer is now cleared as an instructor within the geschwader's Training Command.
Flight Hours Hangers
The flight hours hangers use the “streak and bank” system. A virtual death will wipe out your operational sorties, starting the pilot over again at zero. However, all achieved flight hours hangers from that streak are permanently banked, and awarded to the pilot for retention.
The flight hours hangers are progressive awards, where lower attainments must be achieved before the higher ones can be earned. Each clasp can only be awarded once. Only the highest achieved award is actively displayed by a pilot.
Red Flight Hours Hanger: 500 (Rote Flugstunden Aufhänger: 500)
Awarded for the completion of 20 operational combat sorties within one streak.
Red Flight Hours Hanger: 1000 (Rote Flugstunden Aufhänger: 1000):
Awarded for the completion of 60 operational combat sorties within one streak.
Red Flight Hours Hanger: 1500 (Rote Flugstunden Aufhänger: 1500)
Awarded for the completion of 110 operational combat sorties within one streak.
Red Flight Hours Hanger: 2000 (Rote Flugstunden Aufhänger: 2000)
Awarded for the completion of 200 operational combat sorties within one streak.
Red Flight Hours Hanger: 2500 (Rote Flugstunden Aufhänger: 2500):
Awarded for the completion of 250 operational combat sorties within one streak.
Red Flight Hours Hanger: 3000 (Rote Flugstunden Aufhänger: 3000)
Awarded for the completion of 300 operational combat sorties within one streak.
Red Flight Hours Hanger: 3500 (Rote Flugstunden Aufhänger: 3500)
Awarded for the completion of 350 operational combat sorties within one streak.
Red Flight Hours Hanger: 4000 (Rote Flugstunden Aufhänger: 4000)
Awarded for the completion of 400 operational combat sorties within one streak.
Red Flight Hours Hanger: 5000 (Rote Flugstunden Aufhänger: 5000)
Awarded for the completion of 500 operational combat sorties within one streak.
Red Flight Hours Hanger: 6000 (Rote Flugstunden Aufhänger: 6000)
Awarded for the completion of 600 operational combat sorties within one streak.
Red Flight Hours Hanger: 7000 (Rote Flugstunden Aufhänger: 7000):
Awarded for the completion of 700 operational combat sorties within one streak.
Honor Awards
Honor awards are non-progressive awards that can be given in any order. They are given to individuals based on rank, position or certain acts or services.
If based on rank or position, the award is conditional upon the pilot retaining that rank or position. Once the individual no longer qualifies, due to reassignment or retirement, the award is removed.
Air Force Reservist Badge (Reservistenabzeichen Luftstreitkräfte)
A badge given to all pilots who, after actively serving within JG-1, become reservists. It is emblazoned with the words Treu Gedient (Faithfully Served). Returning to active duty removes the badge.
Academy Badge of the Military Academy “Friedrich Engels” (Absolventenabzeichen der Militärakademie Friedrich-Engels)
Awarded to all officer-ranked JG-1 pilots, excluding student officers.
Hans Beimler Medal (Hans-Beimler-Medaille)
A commemorative medal given to all pilots who, after serving in either JG Nr. I “Richthofen” or JG 1 “Oesau”, helped form JG-1 “Fritz Schmenkel” in October 2014.
Officer Dagger (NVA / DDR Offiziersdolch)
Awarded to all command officers within JG-1. Commissioned for wear with the parade uniform.
Medal For Faithful Service in Bronze (Medaille für treue Dienste in Bronze):
Awarded for 5 years of active service to JG-1 "Fritz Schmenkel".
Medal For Faithful Service in Silver for 10 years (Medaille für treue Dienste in Silber für 10 Dienstjahre)
Awarded for 10 years of active service to JG-1 "Fritz Schmenkel".
Medal For Faithful Service in Gold for 15 years (Medaille für treue Dienste in Gold für 15 Dienstjahre)
Awarded for 15 years of active service to JG-1 "Fritz Schmenkel".
Medal For Faithful Service in Gold for 20 years (Medaille für treue Dienste in Gold für 20 Dienstjahre)
Awarded for 20 years of active service to JG-1 "Fritz Schmenkel".
Meritorious Decorations
Meritorious decorations within the geschwader are two-tiered, and permanent when given.
An individual may achieve any of the Distinguished Service Medals multiple times, and may display all of their Distinguished Service Medals on the roster. When awarded a Distinguished Service Medal, the pilot is mentioned within the website blog.
The Battle Order decorations represent the beginning of the second tier of merit. They are progressive decorations where lower attainments must be achieved before the higher ones can be earned. Each level of the Battle Order can only be awarded once.
Distinguished Service Medal of the National People’s Army in Bronze (Verdienstmedaille der Nationalen Volksarmee in Bronze)
Awarded for outstanding merit and personal readiness in support of the increase of combat capability and combat readiness of JG-1.
Distinguished Service Medal of the National People’s Army in Silver (Verdienstmedaille der Nationalen Volksarmee in Silber)
Awarded for continued outstanding merit and personal readiness in support of the increase of the combat capability and combat readiness of JG-1.
Distinguished Service Medal of the National People’s Army in Gold (Verdienstmedaille der Nationalen Volksarmee in Gold)
Awarded for exceptional outstanding merit and personal readiness in support of the increase of the combat capability and combat readiness of JG-1.
Battle Order “For Services to the People and Our Country” in Bronze (Kampforden “Für Verdienste um Volk und Vaterland” in Bronze)
Awarded for excellence in increasing the combat capabilities and combat readiness of the NVA, and for protecting the state border of the DDR.
Battle Order “For Services to the People and Our Country” in Silver (Kampforden “Für Verdienste um Volk und Vaterland” in Silber)
Awarded for continued excellence in increasing the combat capabilities and combat readiness of the NVA, and for protecting the state border of the DDR.
Battle Order “For Services to the People and Our Country” in Gold (Kampforden “Für Verdienste um Volk und Vaterland” in Gold):
Awarded for outstanding excellence in increasing the combat capabilities and combat readiness of the NVA, and for protecting the state border of the DDR.
Victory Decorations
The victory decorations use the “streak and bank” system. A virtual death will wipe out your aerial or ground victories, starting the pilot over again at zero. However, all achieved victory decorations from that streak are permanently banked, and awarded to the pilot for retention. Aerial and ground victories are not added together.
The victory decorations are progressive awards, where lower attainments must be achieved before the higher ones can be earned. Each decoration can only be awarded once. All earned decorations can be displayed at once by the individual.
Gallantry Medal in Bronze (Tapferkeitsmedaille in Bronze)
Given for brave and heroic efforts within combat. Awarded for 1 aerial victories, or 3 ground victories, within one streak.
Gallantry Medal in Silver (Tapferkeitsmedaille in Silber)
Given for continued brave and heroic efforts within combat. Awarded for 2 aerial victories, or 6 ground victories, within one streak.
Gallantry Medal in Gold (Tapferkeitsmedaille in Gold)
Given for further brave and heroic efforts within combat. Awarded for 5 aerial victories, or 15 ground victories, within one streak.
Blücher Order for bravery in Bronze ( Blücher-Orden für Tapferkeit in Bronze)
Given for the outstanding brave and heroic efforts within combat. Awarded for 10 aerial victories, or 30 ground victories, within one streak.
Blücher Order for bravery in Silver (Blücher-Orden für Tapferkeit in Silber)
Given for the exceptional brave and heroic efforts within combat. Awarded for 15 aerial victories, or 45 ground victories, within one streak.
Blücher Order for bravery in Gold (Blücher-Orden für Tapferkeit in Gold)
Given for the highest level of brave and heroic efforts within combat. Awarded for 20 aerial victories, or 60 ground victories, within one streak.
Meritorious Military Pilot of the German Democratic Republic (Verdienter Militärflieger der Deutschen Demokratischen Republik)
Given for acts of bravery above and beyond the call of duty. Awarded for 25 aerial victories, or 75 ground victories, within one streak.
Scharnhorst Order (Scharnhorst-Orden)
Given for acts of bravery above and beyond the call of duty. Awarded for 35 aerial victories, or 105 ground victories, within one streak. This is the highest decoration given within JG-1.
Wound Badges
The wound badges use the “streak and bank” system. A virtual death will wipe out tallied wounds in action, starting the pilot over again at zero. However, all achieved wound badges from that streak are permanently banked, and awarded to the pilot for retention.
The wound badges are progressive awards, where lower attainments must be achieved before the higher ones can be earned. Each badge can only be awarded once. Only the highest achieved award is actively displayed by a pilot.
Medal Brotherhood in Arms in Bronze (Medaille der Waffenbrüderschaft in Bronze)
Awarded to JG-1 pilots who are wounded 1 or 2 times in fighting or air-raid or are injured in the line of duty, within one streak.
Medal Brotherhood in Arms in Silver ( Medaille der Waffenbrüderschaft in Silber)
Awarded to JG-1 pilots who are wounded 3 or 4 times in fighting or air-raid or are injured in the line of duty, within one streak.
Medal Brotherhood in Arms in Gold ( Medaille der Waffenbrüderschaft in Gold)
Awarded to JG-1 pilots who are wounded 5 times or more in fighting or air-raid or are injured in the line of duty, within one streak.
Special Awards and Decorations
The following are awards and decorations which do not fit into the previous categories. Detailed descriptions are given below.
Excellent Aircraft Award (Ausgezeichnete Flugzeug Auszeichnung)
Showing exceptional maintenance of a combat aircraft, the “Winged Q” is awarded to the aircraft (i.e. the BORT number), not to the pilot. It is the only non-tactical marking allowed in JG-1 and is placed on the nose of the aircraft. For an aircraft to win the Winged Q, a pilot must complete 10 sorties in Warsaw Pact aircraft, always RTBing or ending a session in the air upon server shutdown. Once awarded, the Winged Q is retained by the aircraft in perpetuity, so long as the same pilot keeps the same BORT number. Should the pilot of a Winged Q aircraft retire from JG-1, the award is inherited by the next pilot who takes up the same BORT number. However, the inheriting pilot can now lose the award with capture or death. Only completing 10 sorties with successful RTBs can make the Winged Q permanent again.