War Merit Cross (German: Kriegsverdienstkreuz)

Overview

The War Merit Cross (Kriegsverdienstkreuz) was instituted on October 18, 1939, by Adolf Hitler as a decoration of Nazi Germany during World War II. It recognized meritorious service to the Reich that did not necessarily involve combat.

By the end of the war, it was issued in four degrees and had a corresponding civil award. Both civilians and military personnel were eligible. Awards could be given with swords for combat-related service or without swords for non-combat contributions.

This page features a single War Merit Cross from my personal collection, identified with serial SKU: MMCM-NG-WMK-2C-1941-01*.

Historical Context

• The War Merit Cross replaced the non-combatant Iron Cross in October 1939.

• It recognized bravery or service that did not qualify for the Iron Cross.

• The award followed a hierarchy: 2nd Class → 1st Class → Knight’s Cross.

• Recipients had to earn the lower grade before receiving the next.

• After World War II, wearing Nazi-era decorations and displaying the swastika were outlawed in Germany.

1957 Reissue

• The Bundeswehr reissued the War Merit Cross in 1957 in a "de-Nazified" form, removing Nazi symbols.

• The obverse swastika was replaced by the date "1939".

• Veterans could wear the updated medals in uniform or civilian dress.

Classes and Criteria

Class

With Swords

Without Swords

Notes

2nd Class (2C)

Military personnel for combat-related service beyond the call of duty

Civilians or military personnel for non-combatant service

Worn on the left chest; Our medal is 2nd Class with Swords

1st Class (1C)

Military personnel for exceptional combat service

Civilians for outstanding non-combat contributions

Worn on the left chest; higher than 2nd Class

Knight’s Cross

Military personnel for extraordinary combat service

Civilians for exceptional service to the Reich

Highest grade; worn around the neck

Key Points:

• With Swords: Indicates combat-related service.

• Without Swords: Indicates non-combatant or civilian service.

• Wearing: 2nd Class is pinned on the chest; 1st Class is chest-mounted; Knight’s Cross is neck-worn.

• Our Medal: 2nd Class with Swords, SKU number MMCM-NG-WMK-2C-1941-01*.

Ribbon and Design

• Ribbon: Red-white-black-white-red, inverted from the Iron Cross.

• Soldiers awarded the 2nd Class with Swords wore a small crossed-swords emblem on the ribbon.

• The 1st Class was a pin-backed decoration, worn on the tunic pocket.

• The Knight’s Cross was worn around the neck, similar to the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross.

Notable Facts

• The War Merit Cross was generally less prestigious than the Iron Cross, though it recognized significant service.

• A small number of Knight’s Crosses in Gold were awarded on paper late in the war but were never formally issued.

• Some individuals, like Walter Brugmann, Julius Dorpmüller, and Karl-Otto Saur, were awarded two Knight's Crosses (with and without swords).

• The War Merit Medal, tied to the Cross, was awarded to civilians exceeding work quotas, including factory workers, men, women, Germans, and non-Germans.

Presentation and Packaging

• Originally presented in paper bags or small cases (blue, red, or buff-colored).

• The 1957 reissue came in cases made of heavy cardstock with faux leather exterior.

• Citations documented the recipient’s service or achievements.

Collection Note

This page documents my personal War Merit Cross, 2nd Class with Swords, SKU number MMCM-NG-WMK-2C-1941-01*, the only one in my collection.