Brass 1939 War Merit Cross Medal

Introduction

The War Merit Cross (Kriegsverdienstkreuz) was a military decoration of Nazi Germany. It was established on 18 October 1939 by Adolf Hitler to recognize non-combatants who had rendered meritorious service to the German war effort. The medal was awarded in three classes: Bronze, Silver, and Gold.

Significance

The War Merit Cross was one of the most widely awarded decorations of Nazi Germany. It was estimated that over 500,000 medals were awarded during the war. The medal was awarded to both men and women, and to both German citizens and foreigners.

The War Merit Cross was a significant award, and it was highly prized by its recipients. It was a symbol of recognition for their service to the German war effort, and it was a reminder of the sacrifices that they had made.

Design

The War Merit Cross was a Maltese cross with a swastika in the center. The medal was made of bronze, silver, or gold, and it was suspended from a ribbon of red, white, and black. The ribbon was the same as the ribbon of the Iron Cross.

The obverse of the medal bore the inscription "Fur Verdienste im Kriege" (For Service in War). The reverse of the medal bore the date of the award.

Classes

The War Merit Cross was awarded in three classes:

• Bronze: Awarded for outstanding service in a non-combatant role.
• Silver: Awarded for exceptional service in a non-combatant role.
• Gold: Awarded for extraordinary service in a non-combatant role.

The Gold War Merit Cross was a very rare award. It was only awarded to a few hundred people.

Recipients

The War Merit Cross was awarded to a wide range of people, including:

• Civilians who worked in the war effort
• Members of the Wehrmacht who served in a non-combatant role
• Foreign nationals who supported the German war effort

The War Merit Cross was awarded to both men and women. Women were particularly likely to receive the Bronze War Merit Cross for their work in the war effort.

Posthumous Awards

The War Merit Cross could be awarded posthumously to people who had been killed in the line of duty. The medal would be presented to the family of the deceased.

Legacy

The War Merit Cross is a controversial award. Some people view it as a symbol of Nazi Germany, while others view it as a recognition of the sacrifices that people made during the war.

The War Merit Cross is still worn by some veterans of World War II. It is a reminder of their service to their country, and it is a symbol of the sacrifices that they made.

Impact of the Brass 1939 War Merit Cross Medal

Economic Impact

The War Merit Cross had a significant economic impact on Nazi Germany. The production of the medal created jobs and stimulated the economy. The medal was also a source of foreign exchange, as it was often sold to collectors.

Social Impact

The War Merit Cross had a significant social impact on Nazi Germany. The medal was a symbol of recognition for service to the war effort, and it was highly prized by its recipients. The medal also helped to create a sense of unity and solidarity among the German people.

Political Impact

The War Merit Cross had a significant political impact on Nazi Germany. The medal was used as a propaganda tool to promote the war effort. The medal was also used to reward political allies and to silence critics.

Benefits of the Brass 1939 War Merit Cross Medal

Recognition

The War Merit Cross was a significant award, and it was highly prized by its recipients. The medal was a symbol of recognition for their service to the German war effort, and it was a reminder of the sacrifices that they had made.

Camaraderie

The War Merit Cross helped to create a sense of camaraderie among its recipients. The medal was a symbol of their shared experiences, and it helped to form a bond between them.

Motivation

The War Merit Cross was used to motivate people to support the war effort. The medal was a symbol of recognition and reward, and it helped to encourage people to do their best.

Applications of the Brass 1939 War Merit Cross Medal

Collection

The War Merit Cross is a popular collector's item. The medal is a historical artifact, and it is a reminder of the sacrifices that people made during World War II.

Education

The War Merit Cross can be used as an educational tool. The medal can be used to teach students about World War II, and it can help them to understand the sacrifices that people made during the war.

Ceremony

The War Merit Cross can be used in ceremonies to honor veterans of World War II. The medal is a symbol of their service, and it can help to remind people of the sacrifices that they made.

Inspiration

The War Merit Cross can be used as a source of inspiration. The medal is a reminder of the courage and determination of the German people during World War II. It can help to inspire people to overcome challenges and to make a difference in the world.

Pros and Cons of the Brass 1939 War Merit Cross Medal

Pros

• The War Merit Cross is a significant award, and it is highly prized by its recipients.
• The medal is a symbol of recognition for service to the war effort, and it is a reminder of the sacrifices that people made.
• The medal helps to create a sense of camaraderie among its recipients.
• The medal can be used as a collector's item, an educational tool, and a source of inspiration.

Cons

• The War Merit Cross is a controversial award. Some people view it as a symbol of Nazi Germany, while others view it as a recognition of the sacrifices that people made during the war.
• The medal was used as a propaganda tool by the Nazi government.
• The medal was awarded to some people who did not deserve it.

FAQs About the Brass 1939 War Merit Cross Medal

What is the War Merit Cross?

The War Merit Cross is a military decoration of Nazi Germany. It was established on 18 October 1939 to recognize non-combatants who had rendered meritorious service to the German war effort.

Who was eligible for the War Merit Cross?

The War Merit Cross was awarded to both men and women, and to both German citizens and foreigners. The medal was awarded to people who had rendered meritorious service to the German war effort in a non-combatant role.

How many War Merit Crosses were awarded?

It is estimated that over 500,000 War Merit Crosses were awarded during the war.

What are the different classes of the War Merit Cross?

The War Merit Cross was awarded in three classes: Bronze, Silver, and Gold.

What is the design of the War Merit Cross?

The War Merit Cross is a Maltese cross with a swastika in the center. The medal is made of bronze, silver, or gold, and it is suspended from a ribbon of red, white, and black.

What is the significance of the War Merit Cross?

The War Merit Cross was one of the most widely awarded decorations of Nazi Germany. It was a symbol of recognition for service to the German war effort, and it was highly prized by its recipients.

Is the War Merit Cross still worn today?

The War Merit Cross is still worn by some veterans of World War II. It is a reminder of their service to their country, and it is a symbol of the sacrifices that they made.

Is the War Merit Cross a controversial award?

The War Merit Cross is a controversial award. Some people view it as a symbol of Nazi Germany, while others view it as a recognition of the sacrifices that people made during the war.

Useful Tables

Table 1: Number of War Merit Crosses Awarded by Class

Table 2: Countries That Received the War Merit Cross

Table 3: Recipients of the War Merit Cross by Occupation

Table 4: Posthumous Awards of the War Merit Cross