War Merrit Cross w/o swords?

Davis323 · #1 (**permalink**) July 10th, 2007, 01:01 AM

The German war merrit cross was not just given to military personnel. The original war merit cross, designed for the military had crossed swords. Later, they created a version without the swords. Does that mean that any war merit medal without crossed swords was issued to a civilian?

C.Evans · #2 (**permalink**) July 11th, 2007, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Davis323

The German war merrit cross was not just given to military personnel. The original war merit cross, designed for the military had crossed swords. Later, they created a version without the swords. Does that mean that any war merit medal without crossed swords was issued to a civilian?

Civilians and Soldiers were eligible for either or.

PzJgr · #3 (**permalink**) July 12th, 2007, 12:17 PM

I always thought that the crossed swords was the next award much like the Knight's cross with swords.

Amrit · #4 (**permalink**) July 12th, 2007, 01:36 PM

This site gives the criteria for each level of the War Merit Cross, for both with and without swords.

War Merit Cross

E.g.

Quote:

The War Merit Cross 2nd Class without swords was presented to those whose actions were deemed to be in the furtherance of the war effort but not directly involved in military operations. This could mean civilians such as teachers and industrialists, or Military personnel on occupation duty or POW camp guards. The War Merit Cross 2nd Class with Swords was presented to Military Personnel for bravery not necessarily in the face of the enemy. In reality there was a gray area in which individuals received the Cross with Swords when perhaps the non-combatant grade would have been appropriate, and other receiving the Iron Cross when the War Merit Cross with Swords would have fit better. The number of awards presented follows

C.Evans · #5 (**permalink**) July 16th, 2007, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PzJgr

I always thought that the crossed swords was the next award much like the Knight's cross with swords.

Nope, just another level of the award. Now, they DID have a Knights Cross of the War Merit Cross. A friend of mine in San Antonio has one for sale--wants too much for it. (And he aint in a rush to sell it but)