German Cross
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.
| German Cross Deutsches Kreuz | |
|---|---|
German Cross in Gold (left) and Silver (right) | |
| Type | Military Order |
| Awarded for | Gold: for repeated exceptional acts of bravery or troop leadership Silver: for continued distinguished acts of service in the war effort |
| Presented by | Nazi Germany |
| Eligibility | Military personnel |
| Campaign(s) | World War II |
| Status | Obsolete |
| Established | 28 September 1941 |
| Total | ~24,204 in Gold ~ 1,114 in Silver |
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 |
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