Honorary Title "Meritorious Military Pilot".

[Taz]

(Verdienter Militärflieger der DDR)

The honorary title "Meritorious Military Pilot" was instituted on the 1st August, 1974 by the council of ministers of the GDR and awarded in one class.
It was first awarded on 07.10.1974.
The Title was awarded to Fighter and Helicopter pilots of the NVA and border troops of the GDR which were bearers of the achievement classification badge first-class for excellent and special achievements in flying.

In the first year 15 awardings of this Title were planned, and following that 10 further awards each year.
Awarded by the minister for national defence in each case on the following dates:
1st March
7th October
or directly after the accomplished achievement.

A document and a premium of 5,000 marks were given with the honorary title.

1st Form

The honorary badge has the form of a gold coloured pentagon 31.5-mm in width and 41-mm high.
It is made from non-ferrous metal.
On the front the lower part is dominated by the coloured enamel emblem of the air force.
From this rays spread above and over the whole surface.
In the middle is a climbing Fighter plane, on the right is the inscription VERDIENTER MILITÄRFLIEGER and on the left a laurel branch.
The reverse of the honorary badge is smooth and in the upper edge of the pentagon is a semicircular horizontal ring on which the rectangular suspension 24 x 15 mm is attached.
The ribbon is light Blue.

This form of the "Meritorious Military Pilot" award was issued until 1976.

2nd Form.

In 1976 the form and appearance of the honorary title were changed. Now the emblem of the aerial armed forces is varnished.
In the upper edge of the pentagon there is a circular ring. The medallion is fastened to a pentagonal suspension.
The ribbon remained light blue.
At first the badge was gilded and had a smooth back, later executions are brass plated and have a patterned back.

The ribbon bar is 15 mm high, 24mm long and is light blue. On the bar is the golden coloured emblem of the air force.
The award was designed in Berlin by the graphic artist Herbert Hickstein.

This Title is one of the few awards of the GDR which was not abused for representation purposes or "birthday presents". It was awarded exclusively as an honour of the state to pilots of the air force of the NVA and the border troops of the GDR.

Here is Sigmund Jähn wearing his Meritorious Military Pilot award. Taken before his space flight as the Pilot - Cosmonaut, Hero of the GDR etc are missing.

Eddie.