Tombak-made cross with dark patina.
Reverse attachment directly soldered to the cross; wide pin.
Established 18 October 1939 by Adolf Hitler to honor military and civilian wartime contributions.
Multiple classes: I & II with or without swords; swords for military merit, no swords for civilian services. Knight’s Cross highest grade.
War Merit Medal (Kriegverdienstmedaille) established 19 October 1940 to recognize civilian and war service contributions outside frontlines.