War Merit Cross (Reuss)

The War Merit Cross (German: Kriegsverdienstkreuz) was a military decoration of the Principality of Reuss. Established 23 May 1915 by Fürst Heinrich XXVII the Cross was presented to all ranks for distinguished conduct in combat.

References

War Merit Cross

The War Merit Cross (German: Kriegsverdienstkreuz) was a decoration of Nazi Germany during the Second World War, which could be awarded to military personnel and civilians alike. By the end of the war it was issued in four degrees; and had a related civil decoration. It was reissued in 1957 by the Bundeswehr in a De-Nazified version for veterans.

Grades, award criteria and design

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. Recipients had to have the lower grade of the award before getting the next level.

War Merit Cross (Lippe)

The War Merit Cross (German: Kriegsverdienstkreuz) was a military decoration of the Principality of Lippe. Established on 8 December 1914, by Leopold IV, Prince of Lippe, it could be awarded to combatants and to non-combatants for significant contributions to the war effort. The cross was awarded approximately 18,000 times to combatants and 1,100 times to non-combatants.

Appearance

The War Merit Cross is a gilded bronze cross pattée. On the obverse of the cross in the center is the Rose of Lippe surrounded by a laurel wreath. In the upper arm of the cross, at the top of the wreath is the crowned cipher of Leopold IV. The lower arm bears the date 1914. On the reverse are the words FÜR, AUSZEICHNUNG IM, KRIEGE (for distinction in wartime) inscribed in three lines respectively, on the upper, horizontal, and lower arms of the cross.

Awards to combatants have a yellow ribbon with red and white edges. Non-combat awards of the Cross hang from a white ribbon with edges of yellow and red.