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The shoulder boards of Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring represent one of the most distinctive rank insignia associated with the Luftwaffe during the Second World War.
The rank of Reichsmarschall des Großdeutschen Reiches was created in July 1940 by Adolf Hitler and awarded exclusively to Hermann Göring, who served as Commander-in-Chief of the Luftwaffe.
This rank placed Göring above the rank of Generalfeldmarschall, making it the highest military rank established within the armed forces of the Third Reich.
The shoulder boards formed part of the uniform worn by senior Luftwaffe commanders, being attached to the shoulders of the service or parade tunic.
They consisted of a white cloth base, corresponding to the branch color associated with Luftwaffe general officers, covered with an elaborate gold braided cord typical of high-ranking officer shoulder boards.
Mounted on the shoulder board was a gilded metal device composed of three elements:
the Luftwaffe eagle with outstretched wings,
a swastika positioned beneath the eagle,
crossed marshal batons placed below the swastika.
The marshal batons represented the traditional symbol of the highest military rank, while the Luftwaffe eagle indicated the wearer’s affiliation with the German air force.
Original shoulder boards were typically constructed using braided gold metallic cord on wool backing, with insignia elements produced in gilded metal.
The manufacture of such insignia was carried out by specialized German uniform and insignia manufacturers, responsible for producing high-quality rank insignia for senior officers.
Since the rank of Reichsmarschall was awarded exclusively to Hermann Göring, the shoulder boards associated with this title represent one of the most unique and distinctive insignia of the Luftwaffe during World War II.
