The War Merit Medal was added to the War Merit Cross series on August 19, 1940. Originally established by Adolf Hitler on 18 October 1939 to reward contributions to the war effort only consisting of two grades, the 1st Class Cross & 2nd Class Cross.
All could be conferred with crossed swords, except this one. The crossed swords were awarded for extraordinary feats of merit under enemy fire while those without swords were conferred for a variety of non-combative services in support of the war effort in a combat zone.
Could be awarded to both civilians and military depending on the conditions under which the award was earned (feat of merit or performance under enemy fire, performing duty while not under direct enemy fire, etc).
"Merit" in the medal's name distinguishes it from the Iron Cross (awarded for Bravery).
Description:
Kriegsverdienstmedaille (War Merit Medal) - bronze, on a loop for suspension & full size period ribbon
Obverse - Circular medal depicting a War Merit Cross
Reverse - Inscribed “Für Kriegsverdienst 1939” (For Wartime Merit 1939).
Measurements (approximate):
32.24 mm diameter
13.7 grams
Note: Multiple in stock...Shipped item may not be exactly as appears in the photos - may contain slight variation in color/standard age wear.
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WW2 (Nazi Germany)
War Merit Medal
$80.00 (Firm)
*Authentic Issue*
Established by Adolf Hitler
19 August 1940.
Awarded for contributions
to the war effort, not in combat.
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