BACKGROUND: The War Merit Cross was instituted on October 18TH 1939, in two classes, with both classes issued with and without swords, for award to military personnel and civilians, including females and foreigners, for exemplary service and/or bravery in Germany’s war effort, in a non-combatant role. The addition of swords to the award signified bravery while awards without swords were bestowed for service. The second class award was issued suspended from a ribbon in the German national colors. Generally the War Merit Cross 2ND class was only worn on the day of bestowal or on a medal bar for dress or ceremonial occasions resulting in the ribbon being worn on a day to day basis on the field blouse.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Roughly 16mm wide, 11cm long, horizontally ribbed rayon ribbon features a central black vertical base with narrow red outer and narrow white inner edge stripes.