German orders. Battle awards of the Third Reich

With the coming to power of the NSDAP, a unified award system was created in Germany for the first time, which included more than 500 insignia of varying degrees and purposes. The presentation of medals and orders of the Third Reich was carried out within the framework of the relevant law of 1934. According to the normative act, certain regions of the country were deprived of the right to establish any awards, and all powers were transferred to Hitler. In 1937, the government passed amendments to the law that determined which honorary badges issued before 1935 were allowed to be used.

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After 1933, the state began to issue various civilian awards that could be awarded to any German citizen. Thus, some of them (such as the "Sports Badges") were awarded to members of the Nazi Party, the German military and ordinary civilians. Many standard German orders, such as military and public service awards and lifesaving medals, were redesigned to incorporate the Nazi swastika symbol.

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Nazi war incentives are by far the most widely known. Military long service awards, awards for participation in the Spanish Civil War, and medals for the annexation of Austria and the Sudetenland were among the first, but the largest number were awarded in 1939 after the outbreak of World War II in Europe. Prize rules also allowed for the simultaneous wearing of military, civilian and political attire on any Nazi German military or paramilitary uniform, allowing for a wide variety of clothing and awards combinations.

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Nazi decorations were discontinued after Germany's defeat in 1945. After the end of World War II, new German military awards were created under the direction of the West German military and the East German communist regime.

Innovations of Nazi Germany

The German Empire, which existed until 1918, did not have a unified reward system. The ruler of each land presented his regalia, valid only within one territorial unit. However, the badges of honor that the Kaiser directly awarded to his subjects gradually acquired national status. This trend clearly manifested itself during the First World War, when servicemen from any region of Germany could receive the Iron Cross.

The Weimar Republic abolished not only the institution of the monarchy, but also the reward system it created. In the 1920s, the first honorary badges of the Nazi Party took place, which were distributed among its members. The government in force at that time did not make any awards at the state level.

With the coming to power of the NSDAP, for the first time in the history of the country, a nationwide system was created, which included over 500 honorary badges of varying degrees and purposes. Civil awards became widespread, contributing to the growth of patriotic sentiment among the population. Some of them were awarded to both civilians and military personnel, for example, the Life Saving Medal, which was modified to include Nazi symbols. However, civilian regalia were not allowed to be worn on Wehrmacht uniforms.

In the period before World War II, all orders and medals were appointed and awarded personally by Adolf Hitler. Then, as the number of recipients grew, this responsibility was delegated to senior commanders. The Fuhrer only signed the accompanying documents for the most significant awards. However, the head of state continued to award applicants with some distinctive signs, for example, the Knight's Cross or the German Order, until the fall of his regime in 1945.

Star of the Iron Cross

This majestic medal was the highest military decoration of the Kingdom of Prussia and the German Empire.

This star was awarded to the most outstanding of the generals who performed feats at the highest level in favor of the Prussian and then the German state. It was awarded only twice, at intervals of a century, to Field Marshal Gebhard von Blücher in 1815 for the victory over Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo and to Field Marshal Paul von Hindenburg in 1918 for the victory at the Battle of Tannenberg. This German order is widely known as the "Star of Blücher" (Blücherstern) in honor of its first bearer, von Blücher.

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Grand Cross

Paul von Hindenburg received this award on December 9, 1916, to which a Gold Star was added on March 25, 1918.

During the reign of Nazi Germany, Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring commissioned a new version of the medal, intending to present it to Adolf Hitler after Germany won World War II. Because Germany was defeated in 1945, the award was never given to the intended recipient. After the Allied victory in May 1945, the US Army captured the only known prototype, which was stored in a bunker. It is currently part of the collection of the United States Military Academy Museum in West Point, New York.

Origin

Like many other German orders, this cross has its own history. It was an ornament intended for the victorious generals of the Prussian army and its allies. This was the highest (usually awarded) class of the Iron Cross. Along with the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd classes, the Grand Cross was introduced during the Napoleonic Wars. It was resumed in 1870 for the Franco-Prussian War and again in 1914 for WWII. When Hitler reintroduced and updated the Iron Cross as a German (rather than strictly Prussian) decoration, he also updated the Grand Cross.

German cross

The German Cross (Deutsches Kreuz) was established by Adolf Hitler on September 28, 1941. He was awarded two divisions: gold for repeated acts of bravery or achievement in combat and silver for distinguished military service. The German Cross in gold was higher than the Iron Cross first class, but lower than the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, and the German Cross in silver was higher than the Military Merit Cross, First Class with swords, but lower than the Military Merit Knight's Cross with swords.

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The German Cross was issued in two versions: gold and silver (the color of the laurel wreath around the swastika), the former awarded for repeated acts of bravery or repeated outstanding achievement in battle, and the latter for numerous distinguished services in war. Very much appreciated by lovers of military antiques.

The third article of the law governing the German cross states that a prerequisite for the presentation of a German cross in gold or silver is the possession of an Iron Cross (1939) 1st class or a clasp for it (1939) 1st class or a Cross for military merits 1st class with swords.

Order of the Third Reich

In the pre-war period, German orders and other awards were awarded personally by the Fuhrer. Subsequently, with the increase in the number of nominees, this responsibility was entrusted to the senior command staff. Hitler signed papers for the highest awards. However, the Fuhrer continued to award some insignia, for example, the Knight's Cross or the German Order independently, until the fall of the Reich in 1945.

Grand Cross of the Iron Cross

The highest award order of Germany during the Second World War was intended for the generals of the Reich. Reason for award: development of key strategic decisions that directly influenced the course of military operations. The sign was introduced back in 1813 in Prussia during the war with Napoleon. In 1939, Hitler restored the order in Germany, but the only recipient was Hermann Goering, who was rewarded for his successful campaign in France.

The product was made of silver and iron and was larger in size than the junior insignia. A swastika was placed in the center of the order. On the bottom ray is the year of manufacture. The badge was attached to a red neckband.

Order of the German Eagle

The first name is the Order of Merit of the German Eagle. Established in 1937 to reward residents of other states for services to the Reich. Initially, the badge was intended for civilians, but since 1939 changes were made that allowed foreign military personnel to be nominated for the award. In such cases, the degree of the order was supplemented by crossed swords.

The award's charter has changed several times. In education, 5 degrees were approved, similar to incentive systems in other countries:

1. Grand Cross.
2. Grand Commander (medal with star).
3. Commander (1st class award).
4. Officer (2nd class).
5. Knight's crosses (3rd class).

The statute was not originally provided for, and service was carried out within the framework of the approved instructions. A full-fledged statute appeared a little later. It provided for the highest degree of distinction - the Grand Golden Cross of the Order of the German Eagle. The recipients of the award were: Romanian Marshal Ion Antonescu, Japanese Ambassador to Berlin Hiroshi Oshima, Finnish Marshal Karl Mannerheim and President Ryti Heikki Risto, Hungarian Vice Admiral Miklos Horthy, Generalissimo of Spain Francisco Franco and Italian Minister Galezzo Ciano.

The first 2 degrees were awarded on the basis of the corresponding decree of the Fuhrer. The lower ones were issued by order of the Reich Minister.

The product looked like a Maltese cross covered with white enamel. If there were swords, they were applied from above. Between the rays is an eagle sitting on a laurel wreath surrounding a swastika. To be worn on a ribbon, the reverse side had a similar coinage. For the chest version, the back side was made flat. The product was made of silver. The highest award is made of silver with gilding.

Knight's cross

This award is 1st class of the Reich Order of the Iron Cross. During the war, 7,384 Wehrmacht officers and some military personnel of Germany's allies received the badge. The sign was made of brass and silver. In case of additions, gold and diamonds were used.

Reason for the award: courage and bravery during battle, achievements based on points received for Luftwaffe and Kriegsmarine pilots. Only persons previously awarded the Iron Cross, 1st class, could receive the badge.

The order of knighthood was considered the highest degree. In addition to it, there were similar signs of smaller degrees, which were supplemented by various components:

1. The oak leaves are the youngest addition to the award, which was received by 890 people, including the commander of the mountain troops, Eduard Dietl.
2. Swords and oak leaves are an addition to the 2nd class order, which was awarded to 160 officers, including Adolf Galland (one of the best Luftwaffe pilots), as well as the commander of the Japanese fleet, Isoroku Yamamoto. A fragment of silver – oak leaves, to which are attached 2 crossed swords.
3. Oak leaves, diamonds and swords - until 1944, this addition was intended for the highest degree. Oak leaves with swords were made of 935 silver and decorated with 45-50 diamonds. The first winner was pilot Werner Mölder, who shot down 101 enemy aircraft.
4. Golden oak leaves with swords and diamonds are an addition to the highest degree, approved in 1944. Only one pilot, Hans-Ulrich Rudel, received the award. The addition was made of gold and decorated with 50 precious stones.

German cross

The second name is the Order of the Eastern Star, introduced shortly after the start of the war against the USSR. The insignia was intermediate between the Iron Cross and the Order of the Knight's Cross. Over the years, the product was made from iron, nickel, gold and silver. Appearance: eight-pointed star, in the center is a white circle with a swastika. The circle was decorated with a gold or silver laurel wreath, at the bottom of which the date is 1941. The size of the product is 63.5 mm.

The basis for awarding is the award of the Iron Cross of Military Merit, as well as the commission of more than 6 heroic deeds. The badge was awarded to military and SS representatives, as well as members of party organizations.

The order had 2 degrees. An award in gold was given for exploits in battle, subject to the above conditions. There were a total of 24,204 nominees, including 14 foreigners. The silver award was given for services performed outside of combat. 1114 people received the 2nd degree badge.

iron Cross

Established in 1939 and awarded to 3 million people, including 39 women. Most of the nominees are personnel of the Wehrmacht and SS troops who completed 3 or more dangerous missions.

The sign had 2 classes:

1. The product consisted of 3 parts. The base is made of black iron. On top are external and front frames made of silver or zinc. In the center, at the point where the rays converge, there is a swastika. Below, the year of manufacture is 1939. The reverse is smooth with fastening to clothing. The badge is worn on the left breast pocket, or if it is missing, in approximately the same place.
2. The product is almost completely the same as the 1st class version. The difference is the presence of an eyelet soldered to the upper beam, which was intended for attachment to the ribbon, as well as the date - 1813 at the bottom of the award.

Spanish cross

The award was established in 1939 for soldiers of the Condor division who fought in Spain on the side of Franco’s army. The sign existed in 4 degrees: gold with diamonds, gold, silver and bronze. The two younger ones were produced in 2 versions, with and without swords. The highest ones - in a single version, with swords. A badge without swords was issued after 3 months of service in Spain. Direct participants in hostilities received a badge with swords. The highest degree was awarded for military exploits.

Appearance: product in the form of a Maltese cross with a bracelet in the center. Between the rays there are images of flying eagles with a swastika, as a mark of German pilots (70% of the division are pilots). On the reverse there is a mount and a manufacturer's mark. Gold, silver, brass with an admixture of bronze and silver were used in production. The diamond model used 14 stones.

Military Merit Cross

The insignia was introduced in 1940 and was intended for exploits that were not enough to receive the Iron Cross. Initially, the order had 2 degrees and 2 types - with swords for soldiers and without them for civilians. Over time, 2 more degrees were established - the Knight's Cross and the Medal. The cross could be received by military personnel of all ranks, as well as civilians who assisted in solving combat missions, so it was awarded most often. The award was given to 4 million people.

The highest degree was in the shape of a Maltese cross. In the center is an oak circle with a swastika. The year of manufacture was marked on the reverse. If there were swords, they were placed in the center of the divergence of the rays. The original material is bronze. At the end of the war, the product was made from zinc with a bronze coating.

The lowest degree was in the form of a medal. On the title side there is a drawing of the order without swords. On the back there is an inscription: “For military merit 1939.” In the early years, the product was produced from bronze, later from various metals with an admixture of bronze.

iron Cross

The Iron Cross award is a traditional military decoration - first in the Kingdom of Prussia, and later in the German Empire (1871-1918) and Nazi Germany (1933-1945). It was introduced by King Frederick William III of Prussia in March 1813 to honor the birthday of his late wife Queen Louise during the Napoleonic Wars. Louise was the first to receive this decoration (posthumously). The reintroduced Iron Cross was also awarded during the Franco-Prussian War and World War I and World War II, and was later reintroduced with the swastika added at the center. The highest degree of this award was the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves. In addition to the Germans, it was also awarded to several foreigners, among whom were the allies of the Third Reich - Romanians, Japanese, Italians and representatives (usually leaders) of collaborationist movements.

The Iron Cross award was usually only a military decoration, although there were cases where it was awarded to civilians for performing military functions. Two examples of this were civilian test pilots Hanna Reich, awarded the Iron Cross 2nd and 1st class, and Melitta Schenk Gräfin von Stauffenberg, awarded the Iron Cross 2nd class, for their actions as pilots during the war.

The design of the cross symbol was black with white or silver outlines, ultimately being copied from the emblem of the Teutonic Order, which was used by knights in the 13th century. Military antiques these days abound with both a variety of iron crosses and similar paraphernalia of the Teutonic Order, allowing us to see obvious visual similarities between them.

The black cross "patte" (badge) of the Prussian army was also used as a symbol of the German army from 1871 until March-April 1918, when it was replaced by a similar symbol, the "Balkenkreuz". In 1956 it was reintroduced as the symbol of the Bundeswehr, the modern German armed forces. The German Order (also known as the Teutonic Order) thus acted as a kind of ancestor of all German military symbols.

Balkenkreuz. History of the "beam cross"

Pz.III tanks of the 10th Panzer Division with beam crosses, August 1941

The German beam cross, or Balkenkreuz, entered history thanks to the events of World War II. During the war years, a stylized image of a cross could be found on all German military equipment. During the war, the Balkenkreuz was the main identification mark of the Wehrmacht; it was used by the Luftwaffe and Kriegsmarine. Moreover, the image of the cross itself was used in the Middle Ages by various German orders of knighthood, and the stylized image of the “iron cross” is still an identifying mark of the military equipment of the Bundeswehr.

The emergence of the cross as a German military symbol

The cross itself, which was widely used on German military equipment during the Second World War, is a stylization of the Teutonic cross and the cross of St. Nicholas (Nicholas the Wonderworker). Very often in literature you can find an incorrect translation of the word “Balkenkreuz” itself (German Balkenkreuz). The error in which such a cross is called “Balkan” occurs in both Russian and English. Moreover, the cross has nothing to do with the Balkans and the states located on the Balkan Peninsula. From German, “Balken” is translated as a wooden beam, crossbar or beam, which is why the correct translation from German is the phrase “beam cross”.

Knights of the Teutonic Order

The first to use the black cross as an identification mark were the German knights; this happened back in the Middle Ages during the era of the famous Crusades. The Latin cross of black enamel with a white enamel border became the official symbol of the Teutonic Order for many years. The knights of the order widely used a stylized image of a black cross on a white background on their shields, as well as cloaks, clothing and banners.

The Teutonic Order itself was founded as a spiritual knightly order. The motto of the order was the phrase “Helfen - Wehren - Heilen” (“Help – protect – heal”). According to one version, the order was founded on November 19, 1190 by one of the leaders of the German knights, Duke Frederick of Swabia. It is believed that this happened after the capture of the Acre fortress by the crusaders. At the same time, a hospital was founded in the city, which became the permanent location of the order. According to another version, during the Third Crusade, when the crusaders were besieging Acre, merchants from Bremen and Lübeck founded a field hospital to help the wounded crusaders. It was this hospital that Duke Frederick of Swabia later transformed into a spiritual order.

Russian icon depicting St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, approximately late 15th century

It is known that the transformation of the order into a spiritual knightly order took place in 1196 in the temple of Acre. The ceremony was attended by representatives of the Templar and Hospitaller orders, as well as clergy and secular persons from Jerusalem. This event in February 1199 was confirmed by a special bull of Pope Innocent III. At the same time, the main tasks of the Teutonic Order were determined: protecting the German knights, treating the sick and fighting the enemies of the Catholic Church.

The order was especially successful in the latter. He fought against the pagans in Prussia, the Baltics, and Eastern Europe. The main and longest onslaught of the order was taken by the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. In addition to him, the Russian principalities, primarily Novgorod, waged war with the order in different years. Already in the 20th century, the Nazis considered themselves continuators of the work of the Teutonic Order and, in geopolitical terms, they implemented precisely the medieval doctrine of the “Onslaught on the East.” True, unlike the Teutonic Order, which existed for several centuries, the Third Reich, which tried to gain living space in the East, was safely buried by Soviet and Allied troops and lasted only 12 years.

Balkenkreuz during the First and Second World Wars

For the first time in the 20th century, the cross appeared on German military equipment during the First World War. At the very end of the war in mid-April 1918, the Balkenkreuz became the official insignia of the Imperial German Air Force. The new emblem was used on German aircraft until the end of the First World War. The new symbol was introduced to improve the identification of German aircraft from the ground and in the air.

Balkenkreuz on board a Fokker D.VII fighter, 1918

In 1935, the emblem in the form of a beam cross was returned again, but this time in Nazi Germany. This symbol first became the main emblem of the Luftwaffe, the newly formed German Air Force. Subsequently, the beam cross was also widely used in the army and navy, until the very end of World War II.

The first time cross-shaped emblems were applied to armored vehicles was during the Wehrmacht's invasion of Poland in September 1939. At the beginning of the campaign, a large white cross with rectangular equal sides was used. Crosses were painted on tank turrets and hulls. The emblem was clearly visible and was intended to visually distinguish friendly armored fighting vehicles from enemy equipment. However, the very first battles showed that the emblem was clearly recognizable not only by friendly troops, but also by the enemy. It turned out that white crosses greatly unmasked armored vehicles, representing an ideal target for Polish artillerymen. The crosses simply made it easier for the enemy to aim, so German tank crews began to paint them over or simply cover them with dirt.

White cross on the side of the Pz.I tank, this emblem was applied to armored vehicles at the beginning of the Polish campaign

Later, taking into account the experience gained, it was decided to paint the center of the crosses with dark yellow paint, which was used to apply divisional badges to Wehrmacht armored vehicles, while only the border of the cross remained white. Already at the end of the military campaign in Poland, a variant was finally adopted that was widely used in the Luftwaffe, the so-called “open” cross or beam cross. This cross was applied to the armor in the form of four white corners directly on top of the main dark gray paint of German tanks. Already by the beginning of the military campaign against France, Belgium and Holland in May 1940, all Wehrmacht combat vehicles were marked with just such crosses as an identification emblem. At the same time, some of the tank crews painted over the very center of the cross with black paint.

Balkenkreuz of white corners over the main dark gray body paint

The size of the crosses on the armor could vary, although for the main battle tanks, which for many years remained the Pz III and Pz IV, a single Balkenkreuz size was adopted: 25 centimeters in height. On captured armored vehicles, primarily Soviet ones, crosses of larger than usual sizes were often applied, which was supposed to facilitate the identification process. Until 1943, white corners were in most cases simply applied to dark gray paint, but after it was changed to sand in 1943, the cross was always painted over with black paint. During the fighting in Africa, they switched to this option of applying emblems on military equipment already in 1941.

Initially, crosses were applied to all military equipment using special stencils; less often, this was done by soldiers manually. But after all German armored vehicles received a special Zimmerit coating (anti-magnetic) in 1943-1944, application began to be carried out only manually. For this reason, the variety of cross shapes and sizes increased noticeably by the end of the war.

Balkenkreuz on the turret of a Pz.IV tank, the cross is painted over with black paint

Today, the identifying mark and main emblem of the Bundeswehr is still the cross, but no longer the Balkenkreuz, but a stylized image of the most famous German military award - the Iron Cross, which has become a stylized representation of the clawed, or Templar, cross. The Iron Cross itself was introduced as a reward back in 1813 to commemorate the liberation of German territory from Napoleon's troops. The new emblem of the German armed forces is a clawed, or Templar, cross in black, which, like the Balkenkreuz, is framed by a border of white or light colors.

Modern Bundeswehr insignia on the 2A7 Leopard tank

Black cross

The Black Cross (Schwarzes Kreuz) is an emblem used by the Prussian and German armies from 1871 to the present. It was designed on the occasion of the German campaign of 1813, when Frederick William III commissioned the Iron Cross as the first military decoration open to all ranks, including military personnel. From this time on, the Black Cross also appeared on the Prussian war flag next to the Black Eagle. It was designed by the neoclassical architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel from a design by Friedrich William. The design is ultimately derived from the black cross used by the Teutonic Order. This heraldic cross has taken various forms throughout the order's history, including the plain Latin cross, the cross of power, the cross of fleury, and sometimes the cross-patte.

When the Quadriga of the Goddess of Peace was found in Paris after the fall of Napoleon, it was restored to the top of Berlin's Brandenburg Gate. The Iron Cross was inserted into the laurel wreath of Peace, transforming her into the Goddess of Victory. In 1821, Schinkel crowned the top of his design for the National Monument to the Wars of Liberation with an iron cross, becoming the name Kreuzberg (cross mountain) after the hill on which it stands, and 100 years later for the neighborhood of the same name adjacent to it.

The black cross was used on the naval and battle flags of the German Empire. It was the symbol of the German army until 1915, when it was replaced by the simpler Balkenkreuz. The Reichswehr of the Weimar Republic (1921–35), the Wehrmacht of Nazi Germany (1935–46) and the Bundeswehr (1 October 1956 to present) have also inherited the use of the emblem in various forms. The traditional black design is used on armored vehicles and aircraft, while after German reunification a new blue and silver variant was introduced for use in other contexts.

Awards | Germany

The award system of the Third Reich was one of the best. She was the youngest, since its foundation was laid in 1932-1934, and one of the largest, since the total number of awards and badges reached 320 units. It was one of the most systematic, regulated (the exact number of sorties, destroyed tanks or ships, etc. was determined to receive an award), and at the same time, absolutely voluntaristic - the Fuhrer or Reichsmarshal awarded whoever they wanted and for what they wanted.

On the one hand, it contained anti-class principles (the Knight's Cross, the highest award, could be received not only by commanders, but also by ordinary soldiers), and at the same time there were awards exclusively for the close party circle (Order of Blood) or close friends of the Fuhrer (Mussolini, Franco). With the strict centralization of the establishment of awards, cases arose of their establishment by ordinary generals on local territory (Dunkirk, Lauren shields). Strict clarity in the hierarchy of awards and in the order of awarding was destroyed by the appearance of one (Order of the German Eagle), the basis and order of awarding of which is unclear to this day. Let’s try to analyze this interesting system in detail.

The award system in force in Germany from 1933 to 1945 was based on the exceptionally tradition-rich award system of the German Empire, which united twenty-two German monarchies and three free cities in 1871. These states and cities had their own orders, although already in the first half of the 19th century, the unification of their award systems along the Prussian model began.

At that time, officer decorations were in the form of gold or silver crosses, and soldiers were usually awarded special pins and medals. During the First World War, the award system of the German Empire was replenished with more than 60 new types of orders, medals and badges. Many of these awards, as before, were established by the governments of the states that were part of the empire and were not national.

The defeat of the German Empire in the First World War was accompanied by the collapse of the entire German reward system. In accordance with Article 109 of the Constitution of the Weimar Republic, the government of the republic did not have the right to award orders and insignia. It was also prohibited for German citizens to receive foreign orders and titles. However, the wearing of awards received before the adoption of the above-mentioned Constitution, that is, before August 14, 1919, was not prohibited.

With the coming to power in Germany of the National Socialists, led by Adolf Hitler, a new reward system was created. It widely used traditional German awards, provided, however, with Nazi symbols. Another important difference between the new awards was that they were national.

In pre-war Germany, Reich Chancellor A. Hitler approved nominations for awards and personally presented all types of awards to the Wehrmacht and SS troops. During the war, a number of such powers were transferred to various levels of command within the military depending on the degree of award. Of course, such an award as the Knight's Cross was awarded and awarded personally by Hitler or the high command of the Wehrmacht. At the same time, mid-level officers could be awarded the Iron Cross 2nd class.

Awards for the Second World War were valued higher than for the First World War, and since 1934, the latter were completely prohibited from wearing. German awards took precedence over foreign ones. No more than six badges without ribbons were worn on the chest at a time.

The classification of awards of the Third Reich is quite complex and can be made according to numerous criteria: military and civilian; state and party, public and paramilitary organizations; for awards of certain categories and general awards; awards for foreign legions and units; joint awards with other allied states.

In addition, the awards were divided according to their status: highest awards (3); orders (11), medals (26) and awards (90). Moreover, some non-state awards had a status significantly higher than state ones. For example, the German Order, being a party award (NSDAP), belonged to the category of the highest awards and had priority over any state order. Also, the NSDAP Gold Party Badge was higher in the hierarchy of awards than any other award badge.

In turn, individual classes of awards had their own subclasses. For example, military awards were divided into crosses, medals, incentive awards (fasteners), shields, breastplates, sleeve stripes, cuff ribbons and badges for headdresses. There were also such military awards as a cup, plate and ring.

A separate place in the award system was occupied by departmental awards, the total number of which was close to 500. Not the least place was occupied by sports badges, and insignia of the SA and Hitler Youth, which were equal in importance to state ones.

The awards of the Third Reich bore the image of new party and state symbols - the swastika and the imperial eagle with spread wings, holding a wreath with a swastika in its paws. The rotation of the eagle's head indicated the departmental affiliation of the award. On military and party awards the eagle's head is turned to the right, on civilian awards to the left.

During the war, due to the lack of a tradition of repeated awards with the same order or insignia, the degrees of already existing awards began to multiply, additional accessories appeared that increased their significance: oak leaves, swords, diamonds (for crosses), honorary buckles for military branches , re-awarding bars (for the Iron Crosses, for the medal “In Memory of October 1, 1938”), pendants for pilot badges, etc. The number of awards has increased significantly, so that a number of powers for awarding and awarding them have been transferred from the Fuhrer to the troops, to various levels of command. Hitler's signature was now found only on documents awarding the highest honors of the Third Reich.

The actual process of awarding - from paperwork to the issuance of an order or badge - was in charge of the Order Chancellery of the President-Chancellery of the Fuhrer. Nominations for awards with Hitler's resolution were received here. The affairs of the Order Chancellery were managed by the Chief of the President-Chancellery with the rank of Minister of State. In the Presidential Office, nominations for awards were checked for compliance with the provisions of the law and other regulations. Award documents were also drawn up here, which were then, along with the awards themselves, transferred to the body that initiated the application for the award.

Awards of the Third Reich were awarded, as a rule, based on a combination of heroic actions. This reward system was intended to serve as an incentive for subsequent exploits. There were different requirements for officers and enlisted personnel to submit for the award. At the same time, the system was built so that every soldier had something “sparkling” on his chest, because without it he is not a soldier. If you have not accomplished a feat, receive a reward for your service, even if you are accidentally wounded - also to a piece of hardware on your chest; you have not fought yet, but have graduated from college - receive a qualification badge, have passed your shooting tests - take your award, etc. and so on.

Unlike many countries where the production of awards was entrusted to state-owned enterprises, in Germany this process was left to private firms. The selection of such companies, the issuance of permits and control over the quality of their products was also carried out by the Order's Chancellery. There was a unified register of award manufacturers, each of which had its own code, often affixed in the form of a mark on the back of the award.

The awards of the Third Reich were cheap to manufacture, since they were made mainly from metal alloys of different compositions, and then gold or silver plated. The senior degrees of a number of awards were initially made of silver, but as the economic situation in Germany worsened during the war years, and the number of awards increased many times, silver also began to be replaced by alloys, the qualitative composition of which gradually deteriorated, until at the end of the war a number of award signs began to be made simply made of zinc.

The award system of the Third Reich did not provide for the return of the award in the event of the death of its owner. Orders, medals, and badges of honor remained as a memory in the family of the deceased; there was also a tradition of posthumous awards. They remained with the owner and orders of lower degrees after receiving higher ones, although they were not supposed to be worn on the uniform.

All orders and medals were worn only on special occasions on the dress uniform. In other cases, it was customary to wear only the highest degrees of awards, and the rest in the form of ribbons on the field bar. For wearing on civilian clothes, it was allowed to make miniature copies of order insignia. It is also noteworthy that in combat conditions (flights, infantry or tank attacks, sea voyages), those awarded, as a rule, wore copies of awards made from cheap metals or plastics. The originals were kept at bases or at home.

There was a strict procedure for wearing awards. More than one medal was combined into an order block, each ribbon in which was wrapped around hooks for fastening the medals between them. If swords were attached to the ribbons, they were mounted separately on blocks. The pads were worn on the dress uniform on the left side of the chest above the breast pocket flap. Narrow trims with ribbons were used on everyday clothes. The order of placement of medals on medal blocks and ribbons on field strips for them was strictly regulated.

Despite the significant number of various awards, there were relatively few military awards among them, especially those established during the war. The absence of awards for individual military campaigns or battles is striking. To a certain extent, they were compensated by collective insignia: sleeve shields and cuff ribbons, which marked specific combat episodes.

In addition, there were medals for long service in the Wehrmacht, SS, police and customs. Finally, the uniforms of the military ranks of the Reich were decorated with awards of the allied states: Italy, Hungary, Finland, Romania, Slovakia, etc., the wearing of which required special permission.

Civilian awards occupied a separate place in the award system, although the procedure for awarding them was structured in such a way that it worked more for the military. Thus, Hitler established the German Mother's Cross of Honor. The word “cross” in the name implies that this was a very significant reward. The cross was presented to the mother in front of a large crowd of people, in a solemn atmosphere. At first, under the propaganda hype, they began to give it to all mothers of many children, and when it turned out that there were many of them, the award began to be given only to women who were able to raise children. It was specifically emphasized that the defenders of the Reich were trained.

German military insignia occupied a special place in the structure of German military awards. Unlike orders and medals, in most cases they carried quite specific information about the combat activities of their owner. For example, they could be used to find out about the soldier’s military affiliation, his participation in certain types of combat operations and their intensity.

Most military badges were issued for specific (in numerical terms) front-line work. At the same time, such generally subjective categories as courage or, for example, the ability to command subordinates were often not taken into account, but the participation of the linden in certain events was simply summarized. Injuries received during these events made it easier to award this badge, although there were also special badges for wounds of several degrees. In addition to signs “for participation,” there were signs “for victories.”

A group of qualification marks was also used. They indicated that a particular person belonged to a specific command: a destroyer, a battleship, the German submarine force, etc. And, finally, badges “for participation” in specific operations: breaking a naval blockade, being in a bunker during the explosion on July 20, 1944.

Some of the military insignia, in addition to the metal one, had a fabric version, embroidered on black, gray or gray-blue cloth for the corresponding uniform.

A special and original type of awards in the Wehrmacht were the so-called honorary sleeve shields. These were metal shield-shaped badges worn above the elbow on the left sleeve (there were no fabric versions of shields). Shields were awarded to military personnel who took part in a certain campaign or, more often, found themselves in a difficult situation (encirclement, heavy defensive battles) and earned the gratitude of the Fuhrer and the High Command. Honorary shields filled a gap in the Reich's award system caused by the almost complete absence of campaign awards (with the exception of the Eastern Medal).

Despite all the fairness of the award system, at first glance, there were also voluntary awards, and from the hands of the Fuhrer himself. For example, the Knight's Cross of the Cross of Military Merit with swords (military order) was received by the head of the Main Directorate of Reich Security Ernst Kaltenbrunner and Gestapo Chief Heinrich Müller for investigating the circumstances of the assassination attempt on Hitler in 1944. It turns out that both were awarded as military personnel who performed a feat in the face of the enemy, although in fact they were classified as office workers.

The well-functioning award system of the Third Reich worked so clearly until the last day that Alfred Jodl received his last award - the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves - on May 7, 1945, the day he signed the Act of German Surrender in Reims.

After the collapse of Hitler's Germany, all Nazi symbols, including orders and other insignia, were banned. In July 1957, the Federal Republic of Germany passed a law allowing World War II veterans to wear their military decorations, after removing Nazi symbols from them. Thus, in almost all awards, the swastika was replaced with politically neutral symbols, images of the Iron Cross, oak or laurel leaves.

For a detailed look at each of the 320 awards, see the relevant sections below.

Highest awards of the Third Reich | Germany

Orders | Germany

Medals | Germany

Award badges | Germany

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Military Cross of Merit

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This award (German: Kriegsverdienstkreuz) was a decoration of Germany during World War II and could be awarded to both military and civilians. By the end of the war, the cross was issued in four degrees and had corresponding civilian decorations. It was reissued in 1957 by the Bundeswehr in a denazified version for veterans.

This German award was created by Adolf Hitler in October 1939 as a successor to the Iron Cross, which was not used in combat and was used in earlier wars (a similar medal but with a different ribbon). The award was awarded in the same way as the Iron Cross: War Merit Second Class, First Class and the Knights War Merit Cross. The award had two variants: with swords, awarded to soldiers for exceptional service “not in direct connection with combat,” and without swords, awarded to civilians for merit in “assistance with the war effort.” Recipients had to achieve a lower reward rating before moving to the next level.

The most famous orders and medals

The regulations on awards during the period of the Third Reich were determined by the law of January 30, 1934. Individual lands were deprived of the opportunity to establish any honorary marks, and all rights were transferred directly to Hitler. In 1937, additional legislation was passed determining which of the orders and medals issued before 1935 were allowed to be worn.

The Third Reich actively developed its own award system with new state symbols - a swastika and an eagle carrying an oak wreath in its talons. By turning its head, the imperial bird indicated the departmental affiliation of the regalia. On the insignia for military and political figures, the eagle “looked” to the right, and for civilians - to the left.

With the outbreak of hostilities in Europe, orders and medals began to be issued much more often. And since in Germany it is not customary to award multiple awards with the same distinction, it was necessary to expand the number of their degrees and develop additional accessories that increase their significance.

The material for most awards was inexpensive alloys of non-ferrous metals, gold or silver plated. Initially, some orders of the highest degree were made of pure silver, but the war made its own adjustments in this area. At the end of Hitler's rule, samples made of very cheap low-quality alloys and even zinc appeared.

The most popular among the falerists are military insignia, of which there were not so many.

iron Cross

The order in the form of a cross of the Teutonic Order was personally designed by the Prussian King Frederick William III in 1813. It was intended for participants in the liberation war against Napoleon. Unlike other awards of that time, the model was made entirely of iron, except for the silver edge. This design was deliberately chosen to demonstrate Prussia's willingness to give up privilege and wealth in the name of freedom.

This is the first European order that was awarded to military personnel, regardless of class, for exceptional qualities demonstrated in battle. It's no surprise that he was extremely popular. Realizing the love of the masses for the award, Adolf Hitler restored it in 1839, removing the imperial crown from the top ray and placing a swastika in the center. On the lower ray, according to tradition, the year of establishment of the honorary badge was indicated.

Before the outbreak of World War II, awards were made according to the Prussian model: orders of the 1st and 2nd classes. There was also a higher degree known as the Grand Cross of the Iron Cross. The last award included a star with golden rays. In 1940, 5 knighthoods were added, distinguished by attributes: simple or golden oak leaves, diamonds and swords.

Over 3 million people were awarded the Iron Cross, Class II, and just over 3,000, Class I. The highest degree of knighthood with swords, golden oak leaves and diamonds was supposed to be given to 12 military personnel who particularly distinguished themselves at the front. At the end of the war, Hitler wanted to gather them around a round table in a ritual reminiscent of knighting. However, in the end, only fighter pilot Hans Ulrich Rudel was awarded.

A similar fate awaited the Grand Cross. Only Hermann Goering received it in 1940, but 5 years later he lost it on suspicion of treason. Hitler considered that the commander of the Luftwaffe, Reich Marshal and closest associate had betrayed him and withdrew his “gift.”

Military Merit Cross

The second most popular award, established by Adolf Hitler on the eve of the war in 1939. It was reserved for brave men who distinguished themselves in combat. Analogs of the order existed before in certain regions of the Kaiser’s Germany, and they were awarded mainly to non-combatants.

Not only combatants, but also civilians could apply for the Cross of Military Merit. Those who were on the front line, but did not come directly under enemy fire, rear workers, production workers who worked for the front, also had every right to receive it.

The award had two classes - I and II, and since 1940 a knighthood and a medal. Additional attributes were swords, indicating the recipient’s military merits. The order was a Maltese cross, in the center of which was an oak wreath with a swastika. It was made of 800 silver, which was later replaced with an alloy. Since 1944, zinc with silver plating has been used. At the same time, the gilded Cross of Military Merit was introduced into the award system.

During the war years, approximately 6 million Nazi soldiers were awarded the Order of the Second Class with swords, and more than 1.5 million civilians without this attribute. It is considered the most popular award of the Second World War and was often used to raise the morale of the army, as well as reward for the smallest achievements.

German cross

The incredibly pompous order of the Third Reich, shaped like an eight-pointed star with a round white field in the center, was nicknamed “Hitler’s scrambled eggs” by the Germans. It had an impressive weight and size - 6.5 cm in diameter. Therefore, an additional textile copy was made for wearing in the field.

There were two degrees, which were determined by the color of the wreath framing the central part - silver or gold. The award was specially established in 1941 to fill the intermediate stage between the Iron Cross 1st class and its knightly version. At the same time, to receive a more honorable order, the presence of “Hitler’s fried eggs” was not required.

It was also possible to be awarded the golden German Cross for bravery on the battlefield, bypassing the silver degree, which was intended for commanders who did not personally participate in battles. The “star” award is one of the most complex, both in terms of hierarchy and in its design, which consisted of five elements. At the end of the war, a version with diamonds appeared, but no one had time to award it. In total, over 25 thousand people became holders of the badge of honor.

"Frozen meat"

The most famous, but far from the most beloved by the Germans themselves, medal of the Third Reich is “For the winter battle in the East 1941/42”. It was also called simply Eastern. And also, with evil irony, “Frozen meat.” Since most of the Wehrmacht soldiers, in addition to the distinctive sign, also received one or another degree of frostbite while fighting on Russian soil that greeted them with severe cold.

The Eastern medal was intended for participants in the winter campaign of 1941-1942. It had an unusual design of the upper part in the form of a German helmet and a hand grenade, as well as an original convex shape on the reverse and concave on the front side. The maroon ribbon with white and black stripes symbolized the blood of German soldiers spilled on Russian snow and grief for the dead.

The reason for the award was:

• continuous 14-day participation in battles;
• 30 sorties for Luftwaffe pilots;
• 60 days of stay on the front line, regardless of whether the applicant fought or not;
• serious injury or frostbite of the same severity;
• death on the battlefield, in which case the reward was transferred to the family.

In total, until 1944, 3 million Oriental medals were awarded. After the war, the honorary badge was denazified and today it is allowed to be worn if there are documents confirming the award.

Occupation medals

This category includes 3 awards, known in Germany as the “Return of Memel”, “Anschluss” and the Sudeten Medal. Their design was developed in the same style by medalist Richard Klein.

The obverse depicts two naked allegorical figures of warriors, one of whom helps the other to climb onto a pedestal with an imperial eagle and holds a Nazi banner in his hands. The composition symbolized Germany, which took the occupied lands under its protection. On the reverse there was an inscription recording a memorable event.

The first variety, “For the Return of Memel,” was established in 1939 after the annexation of the Klaipeda region of Lithuania, or Memelland in German. It was awarded to military personnel and officials who took part in the operation. The presentation took place until December 31, 1940 and covered 31,322 people.

The honorary badge "Anschluss" appeared in 1938 after the annexation of Austria, which was included in the Third Reich. The act of merger was called the Anschluss. The medal associated with it could be received by both military and civilians who contributed to the accession. Among them are military personnel, members of the Austrian branch of the NSDAP, citizens of the annexed state who contributed to the Nazi regime. The Anschluss was no longer awarded at the end of 1940. During this period, 318,689 awards took place.

And the Sudeten Medal concludes the occupation “trinity”. It was addressed to German soldiers who took part in the capture of Czechoslovakia and, in particular, its border regions. 1,162,617 people were awarded. Also, many of them were awarded bronze plaques “Prague Castle” for the creation of the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia.

German Mother's Cross of Honor

It is impossible not to mention the important civilian award established by Hitler in 1938 to increase the country's birth rate. The Third Reich needed a healthy, strong growing generation and strongly encouraged young couples to create large families.

The media portrayed to the population the image of an ideal woman, who could only be a mother of many children. The basis for the award was the birth of at least 4 children, caring upbringing, as well as good pedigree and purity of blood. Parents of non-German origin could not apply for the award.

There were three degrees:

• gold - for the birth of the eighth child;
• silver if there are 6-7 children in the family;
• bronze - for the fourth and fifth child.

In addition to state honors, mothers of many children received a cash bonus and special, respectful treatment from members of youth organizations.

Ribbon of the Cross

The Military Merit Cross ribbon was red, white, black, white and red; that is, the red and black colors were reversed from the ribbon of the World War II version of the Iron Cross. The Combat Meritorious Service Medal ribbon was similar, but had a narrow vertical red stripe centered on a black field. Soldiers who received the Distinguished Cross, 2nd Class with Swords, wore a small device with crossed swords on a ribbon. The Military Merit Cross 1st Class was a medal with a wrist pin worn on the tunic pocket (like the Iron Cross 1st Class). The ribbon of the Military Merit Cross, 2nd class, could be worn like the ribbon of the Iron Cross, 2nd class (through the second loop). However, service members generally held the Military Merit Cross in low regard, referring to those who wear them as "Iron Cross Drill". The Knight's Cross of the War of Merit was a neck decoration and was worn in the same way as the Cross of the Knights of the Iron Cross.

Medals | Germany

Medal "Order of Blood"

Obverse of the Order of Blood medal.

Reverse of the Order of Blood medal.

Different ways to wear a medal.

The Order of Blood (Blutorden) or officially “Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 9. November 1923” is a medal established on 03/15/1934 in memory of the “Beer Hall Putsch” (11/09/1923).
The award was given to all participants. All medals are numbered, and the selection of candidates for the award was carried out very carefully. The Order of the Blood ribbon was worn under the button of the right breast pocket of the uniform. In May 1938, to the displeasure of the coup participants, the criteria for the award were expanded. After this, the medal was awarded to: persons who received prison sentences for National Socialist activities before 1933; persons sentenced to death, which was later commuted to life imprisonment for National Socialist activities before 1933; persons who were repeatedly wounded during their service in the NSDAP before 1933. In addition, the award was also presented by personal order of Adolf Hitler (the last to receive the award was Reinhard Heydrich, posthumously). If the recipient left the party, the medal had to be surrendered. The obverse of the medal depicted an eagle with a wreath in its talons. Inside the wreath is the date November 9th. To the right is the inscription “München 1923-1933”. The reverse features the Feldherrnhalle (the place where the Beer Hall Putsch was stopped), a swastika and the inscription “UND IHR HABT DOCH GESIEGT” (“And yet you have won”).

The medal was made of silver, attached to a red ribbon with a white border.

The medal was awarded to two women: one as a participant in the coup, the other posthumously for outstanding service. In total, 3,800 people were awarded, of which about 1,500 were awarded for direct participation in the Beer Hall Putsch.

Medal "In Memory of March 13, 1938"

Obverse of the medal “In memory of March 13, 1938.”

Reverse of the medal “In memory of March 13, 1938.”

The medal “In memory of March 13, 1938” (Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 13 März 1938) was established on May 1, 1938 in honor of the entry (annexation) of the territory of Austria, a country with a German-speaking population, into the German Third Reich. The requirements for the award were: for Austrians - membership in the Austrian National Socialist Workers' Party and contribution to the annexation of Austria to the Reich; for the Germans of the SS and Wehrmacht - participation in the march to Austria.

The medal was made in the shape of a circle with a diameter of 33 mm from silver-plated copper with a protruding edge along the edge. On the obverse of the medal there is a relief allegorical image symbolizing the annexation of Austria to Germany: a man standing on a pedestal with the coat of arms of the Third Reich, leaning on a banner pole with a swastika (Germany), helps a person striving for this banner (Austria) to ascend to the pedestal. On the reverse of the medal - located in (MARCH 13, 1938), framed in a circle by the words separated by swastikas: “EIN VOLK * EIN REICH * EIN FÜHRER” (one people, one state, one leader).

The medal, using an eyelet and a metal ring, is attached to a red moire ribbon with narrow (1 mm wide) stripes of white, black and white along the edges. Weight – 14 grams. It was presented in a special award box. The medal (or bar with medal ribbon) was worn on the left breast pocket on special occasions among other awards in the medal group. The awarding was carried out during the period 05/01/1938 – 12/13/1940. A total of 318,689 people were awarded.

Medal "In Memory of October 1, 1938"

Obverse of the medal “In memory of October 1, 1938” with a bar.

Reverse of the medal “In memory of October 1, 1938.”

Obverse and reverse of the Prague Castle plank.

The medal “In Memory of October 1, 1938” (Die Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 1. Oktober 1938) was established on October 18, 1938 in honor of the annexation of the Sudetenland to Germany. The medal was awarded to military personnel and civilians. The conditions for the award for civilians were participation in the annexation of the Sudetenland, for military personnel - participation in the invasion of the Sudetenland. Later, the medal was awarded to individuals who participated in the creation of the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia. The medal, 32 mm in diameter, was made of bronze and worn on a black-red-black ribbon as part of a medal group on special occasions. Military personnel and officials in uniform wore a medal block. On the obverse of the medal the image is similar to the image on the medal “In Memory of March 13, 1938” and the medal “In Memory of March 22, 1939”. On the reverse in the center there is the inscription “1. Oktober 1938" (October 1, 1938) and in a circle - "Ein Volk, Ein Reich, Ein Führer" (one people, one state, one leader). The weight of the medal is 13 grams. On 05/01/1939, a bar was established for those who had previously been awarded a medal for the annexation of the Sudetenland and took part in the creation of the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia. The plank depicted Prague Castle. The bar was attached to the medal ribbon. Size of the bar: 31x11 mm, weight – 4 grams. The awarding took place during the period 10/18/1938 – 12/01/1939. Presented in a box with the appropriate certificate. In total, 1.6 million people were awarded a medal and 134,563 people were awarded a bar.

Medal "In Memory of March 22, 1939"

Obverse of the medal “In memory of March 22, 1939.”

Reverse of the medal “In memory of March 22, 1939.”

The medal “In Memory of March 22, 1939” (Die Medaille zur Erinnerung an die Heimkerhr des Memellandes 22. März 1939) was established on May 1, 1939 in honor of the annexation of the Memel region to Germany, which previously belonged to Lithuania. All participants in the annexation of Memel (Klaipeda) on March 23, 1939, as well as civilians and party workers who directly prepared the landing of troops, were awarded.

The obverse of the medal is similar to the medal “In memory of March 13, 1938” and the medal “In memory of October 1, 1938”. On the reverse in the center there is the inscription “Zur Erinnerung an die Heimkerhr des Memellandes 22. März 1939” (3a return of the Memel region on March 22, 1939). The medal was made of bronze with a white-red-white-green-white-red-white ribbon, repeating the national colors of Lithuania. In 1940, medals were produced from olive-brown tinted zinc. Worn on the left breast pocket on special occasions among other awards on the medal bar. Usually, only the medal block was worn on the uniform. The medal is entirely stamped, diameter 32 mm. The awards were made in the period 1939-1940. The medal was presented in a red box and accompanied by an appropriate certificate. In total, 31,322 people were awarded medals.

Medal "For the construction of the Western Wall"

Obverse of the medal “For the construction of the Western Wall.”

Reverse of the medal “For the construction of the Western Wall.”

Medal made of bronzed zinc.

The medal “For the Construction of the Western Wall” was established on 08/02/1939. It was awarded to military and civilians for the construction of defensive structures of the Siegfried Line in the period from 1936 to 1940, as well as to military personnel who patrolled it in 1938-1939. Those awarded the medals “In Memory of October 1, 1938” and “In Memory of March 22, 1939” were not entitled to a medal. The medal was stamped from bronzed brass and had an oval shape framed by oak leaves. The obverse depicted a concrete pillbox with a crossed sword and shovel above it, with a state eagle on top. The reverse bore the inscription "FUR ARBEIT ZUM SCHUTZE DEUTSCHLAND" (For work in defense of Germany). The medal was accompanied by a paramedic, which could contain a miniature of the medal (it was made privately). The medal was worn on a light brown ribbon with two white framing stripes. The colors of the ribbon could vary from lemon to cherry. Tape width – 30 mm. The first award took place in November 1939. A total of 622 thousand people were awarded.

In October 1944, the medal was reintroduced with the official name “For the construction of a defensive rampart.” Its release was carried out in bronzed zinc. The medal was awarded to military and civilian personnel who strengthened the Siegfried Line in anticipation of the landing of Allied forces in Europe. For those who took part in the construction of fortifications again and already had an award, a clasp was issued indicating a double award with the dated numbers “1944”. It was not possible to introduce it into mass production due to the bombing of the territory of the Third Reich by Allied aircraft. The medal was awarded in a special paper bag with the name of the award on the front side. An award document was presented along with the award. The total number of recipients is about 800 thousand people.

Medal "For the Winter Campaign in the East 1941/42"

Obverse of the medal “For the Winter Campaign in the East 1941/42”.

Reverse of the medal “For the Winter Campaign in the East 1941/42”.

The medal “For the Winter Campaign in the East 1941/42” (“Winter Battle in the East 1941/42”) (Medaille Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42 (Ostmedaille) or Eastern Medal was established on May 26, 1942. It was awarded to participants in battles in the Soviet- on the German front from November 15, 1941 to April 15, 1942. The award rules provided for one of the conditions:

- participation in the battle for at least two weeks. For the Luftwaffe - combat missions within 30 days;

- injury or frostbite sufficient to warrant the award of the “For Wound” badge;

- endurance in other continuous battles for at least 60 days.

The medal was also awarded to employees of the auxiliary services and organizations: Organization TODT (OT), Reich Labor Service (RAD), Technical Assistance Service (TN), NSKK, German Red Cross (DRK), Customs and Border Guard, Waterway Police, Service railway security, as well as Germany's allies: Romanian, Italian, Spanish, Hungarian military personnel. There were awards for eastern volunteers.

German soldiers, with malicious sarcasm, dubbed this medal "Frozen Meat" (Gefrierfleisch or "Gefrierfleisch Orden") due to the large number of frostbite awards.

The medal has the shape of a black circle with a silver welt topped by a silver helmet placed on a black hand grenade. The obverse of the medal depicts an imperial eagle with lowered wings, sitting on a swastika, behind which there is an image of a laurel branch. On the reverse of the medal is the text: “WINTERSCHLACHT IM OSTEN 1941/42” (Winter Campaign in the East 1941/42), below is a crossed sword and laurel branch. The medal ribbon is dark red with a white-black-white stripe in the middle. The red color symbolized shed blood, white – snow, black – grief for the dead. Size without ring – 36x44 mm.

Worn only on dress and dress uniforms. On everyday and field uniforms, it was necessary to wear a bar or ribbon in the second loop of the uniform. If the recipient of the medal already had the Iron Cross, 2nd class, then the medal ribbon was to be worn in the form of a bar above the left breast pocket. Often the medal ribbon was worn in a button loop, together with the ribbon of the Iron Cross 2nd class.

The medal was awarded in a special paper bag with the name of the award on the front side. An award document was presented along with the award. In the event of the death of a serviceman, the medal was awarded posthumously and passed on to the relatives of the deceased. The presentation of the medal continued until October 15, 1944. According to various sources, the number of recipients ranges from 2.5 to 3 million people.

Military Merit Cross Medal

Obverse of the Military Merit Cross medal.

Reverse of the Military Merit Cross medal.

The medal is inherently a unique phenomenon in the German award system. If other awards, such as the Iron Cross, were supplemented with new, higher degrees, the Military Merit Cross was expanded with a lower degree - a medal. It was established on August 19, 1940. It was assumed that it would increase the prestige of the Military Merit Cross, 2nd class, which, due to the massive distribution, had lost its significance. It was planned that the military should also be awarded, but in reality the medal became a purely civilian award. Most often, factory workers involved in the production of products for the military department were awarded. On its obverse was the Cross of Military Merit without swords, on the reverse there was the inscription “For Military Merit 1939.” Initially, the medal was made of bronze, but during the war the quality of the material deteriorated, and the latest awards had only a bronze coating. The medal was worn on a black, white and red ribbon 30 mm wide, which differed from the ribbon of the 2nd class order by a narrow red stripe in the center. Diameter - 32 mm, weight - 13.8 grams. More than 4 million people have been awarded the medal.

German Merit Medal of the Order of the German Eagle

The German Merit Medal of the Order of the German Eagle is part of the line of the Order of the German Eagle and is divided into the following classes: German Merit Medal in silver with swords; German Merit Medal in silver; German Merit Medal in bronze with swords; German Medal of Merit in bronze.

The medal is a circle with a diameter of 38 mm, on the obverse of which is the Cross of the Order of the German Eagle. On the reverse is the inscription in Gothic or plain script on the silver medal and in plain script on the bronze medal “Deutsche Verdienst medaille” (German Medal of Merit). The medal was attached by means of an eyelet and a ring to the order's moire ribbon 37 mm wide. The ribbon was fastened to clothing on the left side of the chest using a special pin. The medal was attached after the awards of the native country. The tape is red with a 2mm white stripe in the middle, 1mm white, 2mm black and 1mm white at the edges.

The presentation of the medal took place according to the decree of the Reich Chancellor without the signatures of the Reich Minister of Foreign Affairs and the head of the order's chancellery, and was accompanied by a certificate with a small imperial seal.

Obverse of the German Merit Medal of the Order of the German Eagle in silver with swords.

Reverse of the German Merit Medal of the Order of the German Eagle in silver with swords.

Obverse of the German Merit Medal of the Order of the German Eagle in silver.

Reverse of the German Merit Medal of the Order of the German Eagle in silver.

Obverse of the German Merit Medal of the Order of the German Eagle in bronze with swords.

Reverse of the German Merit Medal of the Order of the German Eagle in bronze with swords.

Obverse of the German Merit Medal of the Order of the German Eagle in bronze.

Reverse of the German Merit Medal of the Order of the German Eagle in bronze.

Blue Division Medal

Obverse of the Blue Division medal.

Reverse of the Blue Division medal.

The Medal of Bravery and Memory of the Spanish Blue Division (Tapferkeits - und Erinnerungsmedaille der Spanischen "Blauen Division") or the Blue Division medal was established on 01/03/1944. It was awarded to soldiers of the Spanish Blue Division who took part in World War II.

The award was made of an alloy of zinc and bronze. The ribbon is similar to the Iron Cross ribbon, but with a yellow stripe down the middle representing the Spanish flag. The obverse featured a German helmet above two shields with the symbols of Nazi Germany pierced by a sword. On the reverse is the inscription in Spanish “Division Espanola De Voluntarios en Rusia” (Spanish Volunteer Division in Russia). Diameter - 32 mm. The medal should be worn above the left pocket of the jacket. In total, about 47 thousand people were awarded.

Free India Medal

The medal was part of the line of awards of the Azad Hind Order, and was considered the fourth, lowest degree of the award. It was established in 1942 and was intended to reward employees of the Indian Legion “Azad Hind” (Free India), incl. and the Germans who served in this legion. The medal had three classes: 1st - gold plated, 2nd - silver plated, 3rd - bronze. Each class was made in two versions: with swords - for rewarding persons who took part in hostilities and without swords - for persons not participating in battles. The variant of the medal with swords bore the general name "Martyr of India" (Shahid-e-Bharat). The version without swords was called the "Soldier's Medal" (Tamgha-e-Bahaduro). It was made of riot metal and worn on a ribbon common to the entire line of awards.

Obverse of the 1st class medal with swords.

Reverse of the 1st Class medal with swords.

Obverse of the 1st class medal.

Reverse of the 1st class medal.

Obverse of the 2nd class medal with swords.

Reverse of the 2nd class medal with swords.

Obverse of the 2nd class medal.

Reverse of the 2nd class medal.

Obverse of the 3rd class medal with swords.

Reverse of the 3rd class medal with swords.

Obverse of the 3rd class medal.

Reverse of the 3rd class medal.

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Army Commendation Clasp

The Army Honor Clasp (German: Ehrenblatt des Heeres) was a German military decoration during World War II. A total of 4,556 people were awarded it. Among them are primarily military personnel and members of the Waffen-SS.

There were no special qualifications for this award and its presentation was at the discretion of the German High Command. The award was given very sparingly, that is, it was not given to everyone in order to maintain a high level of prestige and honor. The Waffen-SS was not legally part of the German army, but was nevertheless entitled to the same awards as the army.

World War Cross of Honor

World War Cross of Honor 1914-1918 (Das Ehrenkreuz des Weltkriegs 1914-1918), also known as the Hindenburg Cross, was established by Field Marshal Paul von Hindenburg, President of the German Republic, by order of July 13, 1934, to honor the memory of German soldiers of the Great War. This was the first official battle award of the Third Reich for Imperial German soldiers who took part in the war, and if the selected soldiers had died by then, it was awarded to their surviving immediate family members. Shortly after issuing this award, the government of Nazi Germany declared it the only official service decoration for veterans of the Great War and prohibited the further wearing of Free Korps awards on any military or paramilitary uniform of the state or Nazi Party organization. Outwardly, it slightly resembles the Order of the Blood.

Source

"Frozen meat"

Soon after the start of the war, the medal “For the Eastern Front” appeared, which was received by participants in battles on the territory of the USSR in the winter. It is worth noting that the stated conditions for receiving the medal were not specific.

It was assigned in three cases:

• Severe injury or frostbite;
• 2 months of stubborn fighting in one area;
• 2 week battle.

Among soldiers, this medal was nicknamed “frozen meat.”

Since the Germans were poorly prepared for the harsh Russian winter, the number of frostbite cases was colossal. Hence the prevalence of the medal among the troops.