• War Merit Cross 1st Class with Swords
• War Merit Cross 1st Class without Swords

Introduction

The War Merit Cross 1st Class was not as liberally awarded and was therefore significantly more respected. This was the grade presented to factories and other wartime production companies that significantly surpassed quotas, and was displayed in the form of a banner.

Technical Information

The obverse of the Cross was exactly alike in design and proportions to the 2nd Class, this being the center rotating swastika with the arms featuring thin smooth edges and pebbled center. The reverse was flat with only a pin and hinge system not unlike that of the Iron Cross 1st Class, with the manufacturer mark, if any, stamped on the flat bellied pin. Some crosses were fitted with a screw back system, these being most popular among combat troops whose constant strenuous activities required extra security. In this case the mark was stamped on the cross itself. In the case of the combatant version, a pair of military swords finished on both sides were fitted between the arms of the Cross.

Both Divisions were die struck and constructed in zinc with was a silver-plating, though it can rarely be found made of 800-grade solid silver. It was made from lower grade materials toward the latter war years, and as a result the plating on them eventually wore off yielding a gray appearance, but it maintained the high standard of detail until the end. As with the Iron Cross, recipients were free to purchase an official copy of the award for daily wear.

Presentation and Wear

The War Merit Cross 1st Class was permanently worn on the left tunic pocket, no dress down version was provided for it. In case both the combatant and non-combatant versions were bestowed on an individual, only the grade with swords was to be worn.

It was normally presented in a nice simulated leather case with the award imprinted on the outside lid or in a paper envelope with the name printed in gothic scrip. The documents that accompanied were standard, featuring the name, rank and unit of the recipient with the appropriate signatures.

Award Criteria and Statistics

The War Merit Cross 1st Class without Swords was presented for meritorious service or courage in furtherance of the war effort. This courage had to normally be of a great degree, and required great discipline as these recipients would not have been intoxicated by the adrenaline of battle. It was also presented to diplomats, camp guards and other personalities whose actions were seen as having a significant effect on the war effort. The War Merit Cross with Swords was presented to military personnel for courage and achievements that needed not occur while facing the enemy. The number of awards presented follows;

War Merit Cross without Swords	91,239
War Merit Cross with Swords	483,603

War Merit Cross With Swords Obverse/Reverse

Combatant Division Presentation Case	War Merit Cross 1st Class Without Swords