BACKGROUND: The wear of Awards, Medal Bars and Ribbon Bars were addressed in regulations of April 28TH 1937 and followed the established directives that had been previously laid down. When an Award was instituted the introductory orders would prescribe the proper form of wear with most of the awards being permitted to be grouped together on a medal or ribbon bar. The medal bars were intended for wear on the walking-out dress and formal uniforms while the ribbon bars were intended for all other forms of dress. Strict regulations listed the required order in which ribbons awards were authorized to be worn on the ribbon bar. The War Merit Cross was instituted on October 18TH 1939, in two classes with both classes issued, with and without swords, for award to military personnel and civilians, including females and foreigners, for exemplary service and/or bravery in Germany’s war effort, in a non-combatant role. The addition of swords to the award signified bravery while awards without swords were bestowed for service. Of Note: The War Merit cross series of awards was expanded on August 19TH 1940, to include a Knight’s Cross of the War Merit Cross for award to personnel who had provided a substantial contribution to the war effort and the War Merit Medal for award to German nationals and foreign civilians who provided exceptional service to the war effort.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: The ribbon bar features a horizontally ribbed, War Merit Cross 2ND class ribbon. Complete with original pin back device.