History

The decoration was instituted at an unknown time between 1940 and 1943 by Generaloberst Alfred Keller. Next to his signature, the award documents feature the signatures of his successors as commander of air fleet 1, Generals Korten, Pflugbeil, and Fink.

The plaque was presumably awarded for special merits in the air fleet, but a known example has been awarded for the downing of an enemy aircraft by a Heer soldier as well. It could be awarded to individuals as well as entire units.

The plaque is round and in altsilber. It shows an eagle with spread wings, above which is the inscription "Für besondere Leistung" (for special merits). Below the eagle is a twirled ribbon with the location names Leningrad, Wolchow, Star. Russa, Demjansk, and Cholm. At the bottom, the inscription reads "Chef der Luftflotte 1" (chief of air fleet 1), then the facsimile signature "A. Keller", then his title, "Generaloberst" (colonel general). The letters are written in Latin script.

The German title of the award is "Ehrenplakette der Luftflotte 1". It was awarded in a case.