German Awards - 1st Class Service Award

Awards for service in the Wehrmacht were established on March 16, 1936 on the occasion of the first anniversary of the restoration of universal military duty by Reich Chancellor Adolf Hitler. Initially consisted of 4 classes. 1st and 2nd grades - crosses, 3rd and 4th - medals. On 10 March 1939, oak leaves for 1st class were donated after 40 years of service. During the service, periods spent in the old Wehrmacht and in recognized volunteer associations (Freikorps) before moving to the Reichswehr and then to the Wehrmacht were also counted. Breaks were not counted. In addition, periods of service in the land and security police could be counted if the person was transferred to the Wehrmacht.
All Wehrmacht servicemen who served in the Wehrmacht on March 16, 1935 or later had the right to admission. Since May 3, 1939, service awards could also be awarded to former servicemen of the Austrian Wehrmacht. Similar rules were in effect until 1935.
The army and navy have the Wehrmacht emblem of the corresponding class color on the ribbon. The Air Force carries the Air Force emblem of the corresponding class color on the ribbon.

Gilded tombac cross. Cruciform shoulders with raised smooth edge. The inner sides of the cross sleeves are granular. Front and rear with a round central shield. On the upper cruciform shoulder, a slightly stronger ear with a ribbon ring is soldered.

Front side:

• Central shield with raised smooth edge.
• On a grainy field there is a high eagle with lowered wings.
In
• catches, he holds a swastika placed on top.

Downside:

• Central shield with raised smooth edge.
• On a grainy field, the number is 25 -.

Tape:

blue 35 mm wide. (here Heer edition)

Oak leaf circulation over 40 years of service.

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