The Order of the German Eagle

Order of the German Eagle 1937-39 Cross.

Time Period: Nazi Germany (Interwars Period)
Institution: 1 May 1937
Country: Germany

The Order of the German Eagle (or Verdienstorden vom Deutschen Adler, in German) was an award predominantly given to foreign diplomats during the German Nazi regime.

The Order was instituted on 1 May 1937 by Adolf Hitler and ceased to be awarded after the collapse of Nazi Germany at the end of World War II. This diplomatic and honorary award was given to prominent foreigners, particularly diplomats, who were considered sympathetic to Nazism.

In addition to awards to non-Germans, the Reich Foreign Minister and the Reich Protector of Bohemia and Moravia received a ‘Special Degree’ (Sonderstufe), with identical insignia to the Grand Cross of the Order.

The Order of the German Eagle Classes

From 1937 to 1943 the order was presented in six classes:

Grand Cross of the Order of the German Eagle with star (Grosskreuz des Deutschen Adlerordens)
Order of the German Eagle with Star (Deutscher Adlerorden mit Stern)
Order of the German Eagle 1st Class (Deutscher Adlerorden, Erste Stufe)
Order of the German Eagle 2nd Class (Deutscher Adlerorden, Zweite Stufe)
Order of the German Eagle 3rd Class (Deutscher Adlerorden, Dritte Stufe)
German Medal of Merit (Deutsche Verdienstmedaille)

A unique Grand Cross of the Order of the German Eagle in Gold with Diamonds (Grosskreuz des Deutschen Adlerordens in Gold und Brillanten) was also awarded to Benito Mussolini on 25 September 1937.

The Order of the German Eagle Design

The Cross is based on the Maltese Cross, with German Eagles at each corner carrying a swastika. The Order also featured crossed swords for military recipients.

The overall appearance and name of the Order was an imitation of the Prussian Order of the Black Eagle and Order of the Red Eagle.

The cross was suspended from a 46 mm red ribbon with black, red, and white stripes. In the first two classes, the award also came in the form of a silver or gold eight-pointed star accompanied by a white Maltese Cross and gold eagles centered.