Original WW II German Medals, Pins & Ribbons

Your Guide to Collecting Original German WWII Medals, Pins and Ribbons

If you love World War II memorabilia, then you may want to start a collection of German medals, pins, and ribbons. Obtaining these items from eBay can also open discussions with your children and grandchildren about this dark time in history. You may also want to hang these German awards on your wall for others to see.

There were many types of German World War II medals awarded to civilians and soldiers. Some of these include:

• Eisernes Kreuz: Often called the iron cross, people received the first of these war-time medals in 1813. During World War II, recipients could earn this medal for bravery in battle, successful military planning, courage in non-military actions, and exceptional leadership. During World War II, this cross medal contained a swastika, and 1939 was inscribed on them.
• Kriegsverdienstkreuz: Often called the war merit cross, officers were to wear this pin-back cross on the pocket of an officer's outfit. There are two versions of this medal,with the ones containing swords given to the military while civilians received those without swords. There were four unique classes of this medal awarded during World War II.
• Deutsche Adlerorden: Often called the Order of the Merit of the German Eagle, foreign nationals received this medal for service. There were eight different classes available.

Yes, there were two different types of German World War II merit and bravery medals issued with each having several different variations. The first type of these rare Nazi pins, the Nahkampfspange, were released in gold, silver or bronze for bravery in hand-to-hand combat. The second type, the Spanienkreuz, was awarded to a soldier or his next-of-kin for bravery. There were many variations of these vintage Nazi pins granted, including gold ones with diamonds.

Dienstauszeichnung der Wehrmacht award pins were issued for long service. Each branch of the military had their version, which they awarded for four, 12, 18, 25, and 40 years of service. While the medals looked different, each consisted of a cross hung on a blue ribbon. Additionally, the Schutzstaffel awarded their long-service awards based on the same length of service. Recipients could earn the Nazi Party Long Service Award for serving 10, 15, and 25 years. Finally, people received the Police Long Service Award for serving eight, 18, and 25 years.