Home Home

WWII GERMAN WAR MERIT CROSS ANATOMY -
This section of the website discusses the anatomy of German badges. Getting an understanding of the elements of the badges and awards will enhance the ability the enthuisiast in determining the authenticity of a item. This information can also be helpful in establishing the age of the collectible.

The information provided here is brought to you courtesy of MilitaryItems.com , providers of military antiques and collectibles to the general public and museums. Come and visit our on-line store.



The War Merit Cross (Kriegsverdienstkreuz) was a decoration of Nazi Germany during the Second World War, which could be awarded to civilians as well as military personnel. It was reissued in 1957 by the Bundeswehr in a De-Nazified version for veterans.





This award was created by Adolf Hitler in 1939 as a successor to the non-combatant Iron Cross which was used in earlier wars (same medal but with a different ribbon). The award was graded the same as the Iron Cross: War Merit Cross Second Class, War Merit Cross First Class, and Knights Cross of the War Merit Cross. The award had two variants: with swords given to soldiers for exceptional service in battle above and beyond the call of duty (but not worthy of an Iron Cross which was more a bravery award), and without swords for meritorious service behind the lines which could also be awarded to civilians.



The example shown here is the second class war merit cross with swords.

This is the war merit cross medal. It was not available with swords.

The example shown here is the war merit cross without swords. Second class configuration.





If you have an interest is seeing other German military badges, you can do so by going to our German badges identification guide. Where we cover Army, Navy, Luftwaffe and other organizations from various time periods.



This service is provided free of charge to the visitor/enthusiast courtesy of MilitaryItems.com, a company dedicated to the preservation of military history and to providing quality military antiques and collectibles to museums, institutions and the general public.




 
© 1997 - 2010 MilitaryItems.com - All rights reserved.