German Cross

German Cross
Deutsches Kreuz
German Cross in Gold (left) and Silver (right)
TypeMilitary Order
Awarded forGold: for repeated exceptional acts of bravery or troop leadership
Silver: for continued distinguished acts of service in the war effort
Presented byNazi Germany
EligibilityMilitary personnel
Campaign(s)World War II
StatusObsolete
Established28 September 1941
Total~25,964 in Gold
~ 2,471 in Silver[1]
German Cross in Silver, Gold, and with Diamonds. Post-war de-nazified versions below.
Precedence
Next (lower)Iron Cross (1939) 1st Class
Clasp to the Iron Cross, 1st Class
War Merit Cross 1st Class with Swords

The War Order of the German Cross (German: Der Kriegsorden Deutsches Kreuz), normally abbreviated to the German Cross or Deutsches Kreuz, was instituted by Adolf Hitler on 28 September 1941. It was awarded in two divisions: in gold for repeated acts of bravery or military leadership; and in silver for distinguished non-combat war service. The German Cross in Gold ranked higher than the Iron Cross First Class but below the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, while the German Cross in Silver ranked higher than the War Merit Cross First Class with Swords but below the Knight's Cross of the War Merit Cross with Swords.[2]

  1. ^ Maerz 2009, pp. 53.
  2. ^ Angolia 1976, pp. 327–334.