BACKGROUND: Founded in May 1933 by Vidkun Quisling, the Norwegian Nasjonal Samling, (National Unity), party was structured on the same lines as the NSDAP, and held similar ideological beliefs. Although the party never enjoyed any electoral success prior to the invasion of Norway by the Germans, Quisling proclaimed himself Prime Minister shortly after the invasion. Originally Quisling’s proclamation was rejected by the Germans, but in September 1940 Quisling’s NS party was declared the only legal political party in Norway and in February 1942 Hitler finally appointed Quisling as Minister President of Norway. Although the nominal head of state Quisling was just a puppet collaborator with the real power being secured by the German Reichskommissar Josef Terboven.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: For non-combatant personnel. In bronze I believe this edition should be awarded to SS personnel who were not in direct conflict with the enemy but were stationed behind the battle lines. Be it personnel at field hospitals, writing rooms, kitchens, drivers and the like. The Order of the Military Cross was created and intended to be distributed primarily to Norwegian Legion personnel and this was a stationary department.  Two piece, die struck alloy badge with a bronze wash, fire gilted finish and red enamel work. Badge is in the form of a, bronze washed, cross potent with four equal arms with "T" shaped ends. Cross has upward pointing swords emanating between the crosses arms. Obverse of cross has a separate, fire gilted, NS fascist pattern eagle clutching the fire gilted and red enameled sun cross of Norway’s patron saint, Saint Olaf. The sun cross is the typical style with one vertical and one horizontal arm with the addition of a circular outer border. The sun crosses vertical and horizontal arms and the outer circular border are also fire gilted while the interior is in red enamel. Reverse of the badge features embossed stylized runic script, "Tapper og Tro", (Brave and True). Ribbon suspension loop is intact along original ribbon and suspension bar with swing hinge pin.