Blockade Runner Badge or the Badge for Blockade Runners was a German military decoration awarded for service on warships or merchant vessels (also allied) that attempted to break through the British sea blockade of Germany. Instituted on April 1, 1941, as reward for men who attempted or managed to break the Allied sea blockade. It was first awarded on July 1 of the same year. A smaller half-size version was awarded for use by civilians and members of the merchant marine.