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Category: Germany

The Medal of Merit of the National People’s Army

The Medal of Merit of the National People’s Army was instituted in 1956 and was awarded for exceptional service of members of the NVA.

The Medal of Merit of the National People’s Army (or Verdienstmedaille der Nationalen Volksarmee in German) was instituted on 1 March 1956. This medal was created to recognize the exceptional service and achievements of members of the National People’s Army (NVA) of the GDR.

It aimed to honor individuals who made significant contributions to the military strength, operational readiness, and overall effectiveness of the NVA. The award underscored the importance of the armed forces in defending the socialist state and promoting its security and stability.

The Award Criteria

The criteria for receiving the Medal of Merit of the National People’s Army included demonstrating outstanding military service, exceptional leadership, and significant contributions to the defense capabilities of the GDR.

Recipients were typically those who exhibited bravery, dedication, and effectiveness in their roles within the NVA. The medal recognized both individual achievements and collective efforts within military units. The award was available in multiple classes, including bronze, silver, and gold, each reflecting the level of merit and service.

The Award Design

The Medal of Merit of the National People’s Army featured a circular design made from bronze, silver, or gold, depending on the class.

The obverse side displayed a prominent military emblem, such as a soldier or military insignia, surrounded by laurel branches.

The reverse side bore an inscription highlighting the award’s purpose and the year of issuance.

The medal was attached to a ribbon, typically in the colors of the GDR, and worn on the left chest, signifying the recipient’s distinguished service in the armed forces.

The Medal of Merit in Fire Protection

The Medal of Merit in Fire Protection was awarded for outstanding achievements and personal bravery in fire protection duties.

The Medal of Merit in Fire Protection (or Medaille für Verdienste im Brandschutz in German) was established on 12 August 1959 in the German Democratic Republic. This medal was created to honor individuals and organizations who demonstrated exceptional dedication and achievements in the field of fire protection.

The award recognized the critical role that fire protection services played in ensuring the safety of citizens and the protection of property within the socialist state. It aimed to motivate firefighters and related personnel by acknowledging their hard work, bravery, and contributions to public safety.

The Award Criteria

The criteria for receiving the Medal of Merit in Fire Protection included demonstrating outstanding performance in firefighting, fire prevention, and rescue operations. Recipients were typically those who exhibited exceptional bravery, efficiency, and innovation in their duties.

The medal recognized both individual accomplishments and collective efforts within fire protection units. It also aimed to encourage the development of fire safety techniques and the implementation of effective fire prevention measures. The medal was available in different classes, usually bronze, silver, and gold, reflecting the level of merit and contribution.

The Award Design

The Medal of Merit in Fire Protection featured a circular design made from bronze, silver, or gold, depending on the class.

The obverse side displayed a firefighting emblem, such as crossed axes or a fire helmet, surrounded by laurel leaves.

The reverse side typically had an inscription denoting the purpose of the award and the date it was established.

The medal was attached to a red ribbon, symbolizing the fire service.

The Medal for Excellent Performance in the Fighting Groups of the Working Class

The Medal for Excellent Performance in the Fighting Groups of the Working Class was a significant award in the GDR.

The Medal for Excellent Performance in the Fighting Groups of the Working Class (or Medaille für hervorragende Leistungen in den Kampfgruppen der Arbeiterklasse in German) was a significant award in the GDR, established to recognize members of the Fighting Groups of the Working Class (Kampfgruppen der Arbeiterklasse) for their outstanding service.

Founded in 1955, this medal honored those who demonstrated exceptional commitment and performance in supporting the state’s socialist ideals and defending its interests.

The Award Criteria

The was awarded to individuals who showed exemplary dedication, bravery, and effectiveness in their duties within the Fighting Groups. This included contributions to the defense of the state, participation in training and operations, and promoting socialist values.

The award aimed to encourage and recognize the efforts of those who played a crucial role in safeguarding the GDR. The medal was available in multiple classes, typically Bronze, Silver, and Gold, reflecting the level of merit and service.

The Award Design

The design of the Medal for Excellent Performance in the Fighting Groups of the Working Class featured a round medal made from bronze, silver, or gold.

The obverse displayed a symbol representing the Fighting Groups, such as crossed rifles or a clenched fist, surrounded by a wreath of laurel leaves.

The reverse side bore an inscription denoting the purpose of the award and the year it was established.

The medal was suspended from a red ribbon with white and yellow stripes, symbolizing the fighting spirit and dedication of the working class. It was worn on the left chest, signifying the recipient’s outstanding service and commitment to the socialist state.

The Medal for Excellence in the Armed Organs of the Interior Ministry

The Medal for Excellence in the Armed Organs of the Interior Ministry was a prestigious award in the GDR for members of the armed organs.

The Medal for Excellence in the Armed Organs of the Interior Ministry (or Medaille für hervorragende Leistungen in den bewaffneten Organen des Ministeriums des Innern in German) was a prestigious award in the GDR, created to honor members of the armed organs under the Ministry of the Interior for their outstanding service and performance.

Established in 1953, this medal recognized the efforts of those who contributed significantly to maintaining internal security and public order within the state.

The Award Criteria

To be eligible for the Medal for Excellence in the Armed Organs of the Interior Ministry, recipients needed to demonstrate exceptional performance in their roles within the various security services. This included showing bravery, efficiency, and dedication in maintaining law and order, as well as significant contributions to the effectiveness of the armed organs.

The medal was awarded in multiple classes, typically Bronze, Silver, and Gold, based on the level of service and merit.

The Award Design

The design of the Medal for Excellence in the Armed Organs of the Interior Ministry featured a circular medal made of bronze, silver, or gold.

The obverse side displayed the emblem of the Ministry of the Interior, often incorporating symbols such as a shield or crossed swords, surrounded by laurel branches.

The reverse side bore an inscription highlighting the award’s purpose and the year of issuance.

The medal was attached to a ribbon, usually in red with black and yellow stripes, representing the national colors of the GDR. It was worn on the left chest, indicating the recipient’s distinguished service in the armed organs.

The Medal for Exemplary Border Service DDR

The Medal for Exemplary Border Service was established to honor the service of border guards who demonstrated exceptional dedication.

The Medal for Exemplary Border Service (or Medaille für vorbildlichen Grenzdienst in German) was established by the GDR to honor the service of border guards who demonstrated exceptional dedication and performance.

Created in 1954, this medal was awarded to members of the Border Troops who excelled in their duties of protecting the state’s borders. It recognized the crucial role of border guards in maintaining the security and integrity of the GDR.

The Award Criteria

Recipients of the Medal for Exemplary Border Service were selected based on their outstanding performance in border security, their vigilance, and their contributions to the prevention of illegal crossings and smuggling.

The medal was awarded to individuals who showed exemplary conduct, bravery, and efficiency in their duties. It aimed to encourage and reward the commitment of border guards to their challenging and essential roles. The award came in multiple classes, including Bronze, Silver, and Gold, each reflecting the level of merit and service.

The Award Design

The design of the Medal for Exemplary Border Service featured a round medal made of bronze, silver, or gold.

The obverse depicted a symbolic border guard motif, such as a watchtower or border patrol insignia, often surrounded by a wreath of laurel.

The reverse typically had an inscription noting the purpose of the award and the date of establishment.

The medal was suspended from a green ribbon with black, red, and yellow stripes, symbolizing the national colors of the GDR. It was worn on the left chest, signifying the recipient’s exemplary service in border protection.

The Decoration of Honor for Excellent Performance in Fire Protection

The Decoration of Honor for Excellent Performance in Fire Protection was established in 1983 and awarded for exemplary fire protection.

The Decoration of Honor for Excellent Performance in Fire Protection (or Ehrenzeichen für hervorragende Leistungen im Brandschutz in German) was a significant award in the GDR, established to recognize exceptional service and achievements in fire protection.

Instituted in 1956, this decoration was awarded to individuals and units within the fire service who demonstrated outstanding bravery, skill, and effectiveness in their duties. It underscored the vital role of fire protection in safeguarding lives and property in the socialist state.

The Award Criteria

To receive the Decoration of Honour for Excellent Performance in Fire Protection, recipients had to show exemplary performance in fire prevention, firefighting, and rescue operations.

The medal recognized acts of heroism, significant contributions to fire safety education, and innovations in fire protection techniques. It was awarded to firefighters, units, and occasionally to civilians who made notable efforts in supporting fire safety.

The decoration was available in different classes, typically bronze, silver, and gold, reflecting the level of contribution and service.

The Award Design

The design of the Decoration of Honour for Excellent Performance in Fire Protection featured a circular medal made from bronze, silver, or gold.

The obverse side displayed a firefighting emblem, such as crossed axes or a fire helmet, surrounded by laurel leaves.

The reverse side usually had an inscription denoting the award’s purpose and the year it was established. The medal was attached to a ribbon, often in red with yellow and white stripes, symbolizing the fire service.

The ribbon was worn on the left chest, indicating the recipient’s dedication and bravery in fire protection.

The Decoration of the German People’s Police

The Scharnhorst Order was the highest award for members of the East German National People’s Army (NVA). It was created in 1966.

The Decoration of the German People’s Police (or Auszeichnung der Deutschen Volkspolizei in German) was established in the German Democratic Republic to recognize the dedication and exemplary service of police personnel.

This medal was instituted in 1954 by the Ministry of the Interior to reward the hard work and achievements of the officers in maintaining public order and safety.

The award highlighted the importance of the People’s Police in the socialist state, showcasing their role in protecting the interests of the state and its citizens.

The Award Criteria

The criteria for receiving the Decoration of the German People’s Police included demonstrating outstanding performance in service, exceptional bravery, and significant contributions to public safety.

The medal was awarded to officers who exhibited exemplary conduct, effectiveness in law enforcement, and notable achievements in their duties. It was intended to motivate and acknowledge the police force’s efforts in upholding the law and securing the GDR’s socialist order. The decoration came in multiple classes, which included Bronze, Silver, and Gold, each reflecting the level of merit and service rendered by the recipient.

The Award Design

The design of the Decoration of the German People’s Police featured a circular medal made of bronze, silver, or gold, depending on the class.

The obverse showcased the emblem of the People’s Police, which included a stylized shield with elements representing law enforcement.

The reverse side had an inscription highlighting the award’s purpose and the year of issuance. The medal was attached to a ribbon, usually in green with stripes of black, red, and yellow, reflecting the GDR’s national colors.

This ribbon was worn on the left chest, signifying the recipient’s distinguished service.

The Combat Order of Merit for the People and the Fatherland

The Combat Order of Merit for the People and the Fatherland was awarded to honor outstanding achievements in enhancing combat.

The Combat Order “For Merit to the People and Fatherland” was a state award in the German Democratic Republic, designed as a merit order to honor outstanding achievements in enhancing the combat strength and readiness of the National People’s Army and protecting the GDR’s borders.

Established on February 17, 1966, the Combat Order was awarded to members of the National People’s Army (NVA), the Border Troops, their respective units, subunits, facilities, and collectives. It was also awarded to individuals outside these organizations. The order could be awarded multiple times in each of its three classes: Gold (highest), Silver (middle), and Bronze (lowest).

The Order Classes and Awarding Process

The order was created in three classes, each signifying different levels of merit:

  • Gold 
  • Silver
  • Bronze 

The Minister of National Defense awarded the Combat Order on significant dates such as Republic Day (October 7), the anniversary of the NVA (March 1), and the anniversary of the Border Troops (December 1), or immediately following notable achievements. Recipients were given a certificate and a monetary reward, except for units and facilities.

Officially, the award recognized exceptional contributions in various areas, including:

  • Socialist military education of youth
  • Leadership and training within military units
  • Personal commitment and readiness
  • Maintenance and development of military equipment and technology
  • Contributions to military science
  • Actions benefiting the construction and protection of socialism in the GDR
  • Strengthening fraternal ties with socialist brother armies

The Banner of Labor Design

The medal was designed as a pentagonal hammered plate with a five-pointed star of the same size superimposed on it.

At the center was a medallion on a red enameled background, featuring the state emblem of the GDR, surrounded by the inscription “For the Protection of the Workers and Peasants Power” and flanked by laurel branches. The medallion was encircled by a white enameled ring with a diameter of 22 mm.

The order was made from either gilded silver, silver, or bronze, or from hard metals with similar finishes after 1973. It measured 40 mm at its widest point and had a smooth or textured back, depending on the year of manufacture.

The medal was worn on a large pentagonal clasp covered in a gold and reddish-brown striped ribbon, each stripe measuring 3.5 mm wide. The medal was worn on the upper left chest.

The Scharnhorst Order

The Scharnhorst Order was the highest award for members of the East German National People’s Army (NVA). It was created in 1966.

The Scharnhorst Order (or Scharnhorst-Orden or Scharnhorstorden in German) was the premier military decoration awarded to members of the East German National People’s Army (NVA). Instituted on February 17, 1966, by the Council of Ministers of the German Democratic Republic (GDR), it honored those who made significant contributions to the military or other areas vital to strengthening the GDR. The decoration was bestowed from its inception until the dissolution of the GDR in 1990.

The Scharnhorst Order commemorates Gerhard Johann David von Scharnhorst (1755-1813), a distinguished soldier who served in the Hanoverian and Prussian armies. Renowned as a military theorist and reformer, Scharnhorst advocated for significant changes in the Prussian military system and emphasized the strategic role of the General Staff. His writings and reforms laid foundational principles that the GDR’s National People’s Army sought to emulate. The GDR authorities celebrated Scharnhorst as a forward-thinking military strategist and a patriot, whose ideals resonated with their vision for a robust and efficient military force.

The Scharnhorst Order Award Criteria

The Scharnhorst Order was awarded for outstanding military service, significant contributions to the protection of the GDR, and efforts in strengthening the national defense. It was primarily conferred upon generals and admirals but also recognized units, associations, and civil bodies within the following contexts:

  • National People’s Army (NVA): Typically awarded on March 1, the anniversary of the NVA.
  • Border Troops of the GDR (Grenztruppen – GT): Presented on December 1, the anniversary of the GT.
  • Civil Defense of the DDR (ZV): Given on February 11, the anniversary of the ZV.
  • Ministry of State Security (Stasi): Bestowed on February 8, the anniversary of the Stasi.

In addition to military personnel, the order could be awarded to members of various other institutions within the GDR, including civil facilities and foreign military figures. An example of a foreign recipient was Marshal Viktor Georgiyevich Kulikov of the Soviet Union.

The Scharnhorst Order Design

The design of the Scharnhorst Order was the work of Klaus Bernsdorf from Berlin, with the portrait of Scharnhorst on the medal sculpted by Fritz Schulz, also from Berlin.

The medal featured a striking depiction of Scharnhorst surrounded by elements that symbolized military strength and strategic acumen, reflecting his legacy and the award’s prestige.

Each award was accompanied by an elaborately crafted document and a one-time cash prize of 5,000 Marks, underscoring the honor and significance of the Scharnhorst Order.

The Blücher Order

The Blücher Order was established in 1965 and supposed to be awarded to NVA soldiers as a valor award in a time of war.

The Blücher Order (or Blücher-Orden in German) was a military decoration in the German Democratic Republic, named after Prussian Field Marshal Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher, celebrated in the GDR for his role in defeating Napoleon Bonaparte’s forces.

Established in 1965 by Walter Ulbricht, Chairman of the Council of State, the Blücher Order was intended to be awarded to soldiers of the National People’s Army (NVA) for acts of valor during wartime. However, the GDR never entered a state of war, and as a result, the decoration was never officially awarded. On January 25, 1985, the National Defence Council ordered the immediate minting of 8,000 medals, but these were never distributed for their intended purpose. Today, some of these medals are exhibited in the Military History Museum of the Bundeswehr, and a bronze medal is displayed at the Canadian War Museum.

The Blücher Order Design And Classes

The Blücher Order came in two main types: a cross and a medal, each divided into three classes—bronze, silver, and gold.

The Blücher Cross

The cross was designed as a white cross with a central portrait of Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher, surrounded by a wreath of oak leaves. The color of the oak leaves indicated the class of the award: bronze, silver, or gold. The cross was suspended from a red ribbon with two yellow stripes along its edges. Additionally, the silver class featured a silver stripe in the center of the ribbon, and the gold class featured a gold stripe.

The Blücher Medal

The medal was round, displaying an image of the cross on its front. It was attached to a yellow ribbon, with blue stripes down its center, which varied in color according to the medal class.