WWII German Naval Officer Breast Eagle

[wolfmann]

Were there any Kriegsmarine Officers or NCO/NCMs that wouldn't wear the Breast Eagle? I've seen pictures of naval officers, presumably wearing the sleeve star and accoutrement of a Kriegsmarine officer without breast eagles during WWII - or am I assuming incorrectly, and these are simply merchant marine officers, and if the officer had the iron cross or other honours/awards they had earned them in service with Kriegsmarine but were no longer a member.