1939 Nazi 2nd Class War Merit Cross and Ribbon. N 122. 1939 Nazi 2nd Class War Merit Cross and Ribbon. N 122. Antiques & Militaria

The War Merit Cross (German: Kriegsverdienstkreuz) was a state decoration of Nazi Germany during World War II. This award was created by Adolf Hitler in October 1939 as a successor to the non-combatant Iron Cross which was used in earlier wars (similar medal but with a different ribbon). The award was graded in the same manner as the Iron Cross: War Merit Cross Second Class, War Merit Cross First Class, and Knights Cross of the War Merit Cross. The award had two variants: with swords given to soldiers for exceptional service "not in direct connection with combat", and without swords given to civilians for meritorious service in "furtherance of the war effort". See pages 79 & 80 of Combat Medals of the 3rd Reich by C. Ailsby. In excellent order and UK delivery is included in the price. N 122.