It was instituted on 4 June 1940 by Grand Admiral Erich Raeder following the battle of Narvik.

[1] The medal, designed by Paul Carsberg of Berlin, consists of an outer oakleaf laurel wreath of oak leaves with the national emblem of eagle clutching a swastika (both golden coloured) at its apex.

The central area features a side-view of a destroyer cutting through a wave (both silver-grey to black in colour).

[2] It was worn on the lower part of the left breast pocket of the naval service tunic, underneath the 1st class Iron Cross if awarded.

[3] Required qualifications prior to 10 October 1940 included participation in the battles of Narvik.