The Decorations of Honour of the Bundeswehr (or Ehrenzeichen der Bundeswehr in German) are a series of military decorations of the Bundeswehr awarded as a “visible commendation for loyal service and exemplary execution of duties“.
The decorations were introduced in 1980 on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Bundeswehr by then Minister of Defence Hans Apel and subsequently approved by President of the Federal Republic Karl Carstens.
The first awards were made on November 6, 1980. In 2008, the decorations were updated and received three grades exclusively reserved for heroic deeds. The new awards were the result of a petition by German citizens to restore the order of the Iron Cross.
Receiving one grade of the award is not a requirement for receipt of the next higher one. If earned, all grades of the award may be worn at the same time.
The Badge of Honour of the Bundeswehr Design
The Medal is round, shows a German eagle on a Cross pattée surrounded by a wreath of oak leaves.
On the reverse it reads FÜR BESONDERE VERDIENSTE BUNDESWEHR (For special merits — Bundeswehr). There is an oak leaf above the word Bundeswehr and that side is also surrounded by an oak leaves wreath.
The ribbon is black with two red stripes beside it and golden stripes on the edges as the colors of the German flag, the ribbon bar has a small clasp of the decoration grade attached to it.
