The badge was established on January 10th, 1941 by Hermann Göring. It was given to military personnel who participated in anti-aircraft operations. In order to be awarded the badge, one must gain sixteen total points. The way the points worked was that if one located an incoming aircraft, they would receive one point. If one participated in downing the aircraft whether shining searchlights or actually shooting it down with the assistance of others, one would receive two points.