About the item:
Very nice, in an MINT condition, war merit cross (kriegsverdienstenkreuz) 2nd class without swords. The cross is maker marked 1 (Deschler) is still in its original wrapping paper and comes together with its original piece of ribbon and bag of issue.
About the cross:
The War Merit Cross (German: Kriegsverdienstkreuz, KVK) honored soldiers and civilians in Nazi Germany during World War II. Adolf Hitler established it by decree on October 18, 1939.
Civilians who contributed to the war effort without fighting received the KVK. Military personnel performing non-combat duties also earned it. These included medical corps members, medical officers, veterinarians, and other support staff.
People often called the KVK a “rear echelon medal” (Etappenorden). Soldiers and civilians earned it without facing life-threatening situations. Some critics mockingly called recipients “rear echelon heroes” (Etappenhelden) or “rear stallions” (Etappenhengste).
Click HERE for more info about the War Merit Cross
