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 and insignia 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. This particular eagle was used on both M43 and Overseas caps from 1938 to 1945.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: 1938 pattern, machine woven DRK national eagle on a vertically oval, pale grey rayon base. The stylized, black eagle features down swept wings with a canted, pale grey, swastika superimposed on its breast and clutching a red cross in its talons. Approximately 37mm x 29mm.