Merit Cross for War Aid

The Merit Cross for War Aid (German: Verdienstkreuz für Kriegshilfe) was a war decoration of Prussia awarded during World War I. Instituted 5 December 1916, the cross was awarded for patriotic war aid service, without regard to status or rank.[3]

Merit Cross for War Aid
Verdienstkreuz für Kriegshilfe
Obverse and reverse of the Merit Cross for War Aid
TypeMilitary and civil decoration
Awarded forAct contributing to the war effort
Presented byPrussia
Campaign(s)World War I
StatusSuppressed 1924
Established5 December 1916[1]
Ribbon of the cross
Order of Wear 1916[2]
Next (higher)Life Saving Medal
Next (lower)Peacetime awards of the Orders of Hohenzollern, Red Eagle, and Crown

Appearance

The Merit Cross for War Aid is in the shape of a Maltese cross, typically found made of blackened Kriegsmetall alloy. The obverse of the cross bears a circular central medallion with the crowned cipher of King Wilhelm II. On the reverse the central medallion is inscribed FÜR KRIEGS-HILFSDIENST (For War Aid Merit) above an oak wreath. To the upper arm is attached a loop for suspension from its ribbon.[3]

References

  1. "Prussian Merit Cross War Aid (OMD 7015)". Imperial War Museum. Retrieved 2013-05-21.
  2. Lundström, Richard. "Prussian Regulations of 24 February 1915 (with amendment 1916)". Guide to German Ribbon Bars 1914-1945. Retrieved 25 May 2013.
  3. "Prussia. Merit Cross for War Aid (Preussen. Verdienstkreuz für Kriegshilfe)". Medal-medaille.com. Retrieved 2013-05-21.
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