BACKGROUND: The DRK, Deutsches Rotes Kreuz (German Red Cross), was a voluntary civil assistance organization that was originally instituted in 1864 and was officially acknowledged by the Geneva Convention on July 27TH 1929. On December 9TH 1937 the DRK gained the status of a legally recognized organization by the NSDAP. As with other essential services in Third Reich Germany the DRK came under control of the NSDAP in late 1938 under the auspices of the Ministry of the Interior Social Welfare Organization. DRK uniforms can be traced back to at least WWI and underwent minor modifications until August 6TH 1935 when major modifications were enacted including the introduction of the national eagle emblem with swastika. Further regulations in January 1938 dictated additional minor uniform modifications. Although DRK personnel had worn a visor cap with cockade as early as WWI it wasn’t until the uniform regulations of January 1938 that a distinctive visor cap wreath was introduced and utilized through-out WWII.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: The insignia consists of a nicely detailed, stamped, high relief, closed top, natural aluminum oak-leaf wreath encompassing a vaunted, three piece, national tri-color cockade. Prongs complete.