BACKGROUND: The Series of the Order of the German Eagle was originally instituted by Hitler on May 1ST 1937, in varying degrees for award to foreign political dignitaries. The award was modified and other "degrees" were added in 1939, and again in 1943. The last version of these awards were designated "class" instead of "degree". Also in 1939 crossed swords were added to the award when it was to be issued to personnel who had displayed distinguished military merit. The Medal of Merit was the lowest class in the series.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: 1943 pattern. Roughly 39mm diameter, die struck bronze/tombak award. The obverse of the award features an embossed Maltese style cross with national eagles, with downs wept wings, clutching a canted, wreathed swastika, between the cross’s arms on a smooth background field with a raised outer edge. Crossed swords mounted to the top. The reverse has embossed script "Deutsche Verdienst-Medaille", (German Merit-Medal), on a smooth background field with a raised outer edge. Complete with original ribbon and pin back device. Marked 30 (Hauptmunzamt Wien).