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War Merit Crosses

"Kriegsverdienstkreuz"

On 18 October 1939, the anniversary of the German victory over Napoleon at Leipzig in 1813, Hitler instituted the War Merit Cross, or Kriegsverdienstkreuz, usually known as the KVK. Over the next six years it was to be used at means of recognising virtually every sort of service imaginable and was to become the most widely distributed of all German decorations. The cross was open to anyone, male or female, who contributed to war effort of the Tird Reich, from front-line troops to staff generals, from Hitler Youths to aged industrialists, and from factory workers to polished academics.

Knight Cross of the War Merit Cross with Swords in Gold 1940

Knight Cross of the War Merit Cross without Swords in Gold 1940

"Ritterkreuz des KVK mit Schwertern"

With ribbon.

Knights Cross of the War Merit Cross with Swords 1940

"Ritterkreuz des KVK mit Schwertern"

With ribbon.
Knights Cross of the War Merit Cross with Swords. Instituted on the 19th August 1940 and awarded for outstanding military or civilian merit not involving front line combat service. The version with swords was awarded for bravery or merit which involved exposure to physical danger

Knight Cross of the War Merit Cross without Swords 1940

"Ritterkreuz des KVK ohne Schwerter"

With ribbon.
Knights Cross of the War Merit Cross with out Swords. Instituted on the 19th August 1940 and awarded for outsanding military or civilian merit not involving front line combat service. The version without swords was awarded for merit not involving exposure to physical danger.