German Awards - Military Merit Cross with Swords 2nd Class 1939

This cross was established on October 18 by the Führer and Reich Chancellor Adolf Hitler. The cross was awarded in 2 classes for merits that did not justify the award of the Iron Cross. In addition, it was a replacement for the Iron Cross on a non-belligerent ribbon (World War I) and the awards of former individual states for their homeland and civil merits. The cross was awarded with and without swords. Swords were awarded for the use of enemy weapons or special merits in the conduct of war. Without swords, this award was awarded with equal merit without the effect of enemy weapons. Rewarding women was not provided. Since 1941, only women could be awarded the medal "For Military Merit." For awarding a cross with swords of the 2nd class and without them, the personal consent of Adolf Hitler was required.

An eight-pointed cross made of non-ferrous metal in bronze, with raised smooth edges. The inner sides of the cross sleeves are granular. In the center is an embossed round shield (15 mm). 2 crossed swords pass through the center. On the upper cruciform shoulder is a soldered ordinary eye with a ribbon ring.

Front side:

• The round central shield is bordered by an oak-leafy wreath.
In
• a surrounded field, an obliquely set swastika.

Downside:

• The round central shield is bordered by an oak-leafy wreath.
In
• a surrounded field, the number is 1939 -

Tape:

black 30 mm wide, edge stripes red/white 4 mm each.

Photos of www.militaria-berlin.de