The Collector’s Encyclopaedia · Decorations · Civil awards

War Merit Medal: History, Grades and Collector’s Guide

War Merit Medal – example from the Autographs & Militaria collection
Example from the collection: Aged Kriegsverdienstmedaille 1939 – Original German War Merit Medal with Ribbon
Instituted August 1940
Awarded to Mainly civilian industrial and agricultural workers; also flak auxiliaries, Red Cross staff and others
Criteria For munitions workers, exceeding production targets; for others, two years’ service supporting the war effort
Inscription “Für Kriegsverdienst 1939” on the reverse
In the collection 2 pieces currently available (see below)

The War Merit Medal (Kriegsverdienstmedaille) sat below the War Merit Cross and was given mostly to civilians in factories and on farms. It is a common medal, but it documents the mobilisation of the home front.

What Was the War Merit Medal?

According to the Australian War Memorial, the medal was instituted in August 1940. Munitions workers could earn it by exceeding production targets; flak auxiliaries, Red Cross personnel and members of other organisations by two years of service supporting the war effort. The obverse shows the swastika in a wreath on a cross; the reverse reads “Für Kriegsverdienst 1939”.

Who Awarded It, and Which Documents Go With It?

Certificates were issued through employers and authorities and often carry facsimile signatures. See award documents and War Merit Cross.

What Should Collectors Watch For?

  • Wear and finish vary greatly; describe condition honestly.
  • Certificates naming a workplace are of real social-historical interest.
  • Common as a medal; value lies in documentation.

Legal note. In Germany the 1957 Orders and Decorations Act allows Second World War awards to be worn only without National Socialist emblems, which is why “1957 pattern” versions without the swastika exist. The public display of Nazi symbols is restricted in Germany, Austria and several other countries. Owning, buying and selling original decorations as historical objects is treated differently from country to country, so check the law where you live and where you ship.

Collector’s Note

Many War Merit Medals went to workers in armaments factories, where forced labourers also worked. A certificate naming the firm can open that history.

Related Entries and Pieces

Pieces in the Collection

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Frequently Asked Questions

When was the War Merit Medal instituted?

In August 1940.

Who received it?

Mainly civilian workers in industry and agriculture.

What is written on the reverse?

“Für Kriegsverdienst 1939”.

Historical Responsibility Notice: this entry documents historical figures and artefacts of the National Socialist period for collecting, preservation, education and research. It does not endorse or glorify any ideology, and it is written in memory of the victims of the regime.

References & Further Reading