Merit Cross for War Aid

Award

Merit Cross for War Aid
Verdienstkreuz für Kriegshilfe

Obverse and reverse of the Merit Cross for War Aid

Type| Military and civil decoration
Awarded for| Act contributing to the war effort
Presented by| Prussia
Campaign(s)| World War I
Status| Suppressed 1924
Established| 5 December 1916[1]

Ribbon of the cross

Order of Wear 1916[2]
Next (higher)| Life Saving Medal
Next (lower)| Peacetime awards of the Orders of Hohenzollern, Red Eagle, and Crown

The Merit Cross for War Aid (German: Verdienstkreuz für Kriegshilfe) was a war decoration of Prussia awarded during World War I. Instituted 5 December 1916, the cross was awarded for patriotic war aid service, without regard to status or rank.[3]

## Appearance

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The Merit Cross for War Aid is in the shape of a Maltese cross, typically found made of blackened Kriegsmetall alloy. The obverse of the cross bears a circular central medallion with the crowned cipher of King Wilhelm II. On the reverse the central medallion is inscribed FÜR KRIEGS-HILFSDIENST (For War Aid Merit) above an oak wreath. To the upper arm is attached a loop for suspension from its ribbon.[3]

## References

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1. ^ "Prussian Merit Cross War Aid (OMD 7015)". Imperial War Museum. Retrieved 2013-05-21.
2. ^ Lundström, Richard. "Prussian Regulations of 24 February 1915 (with amendment 1916)". Guide to German Ribbon Bars 1914-1945. Retrieved 25 May 2013.
3. ^ a b "Prussia. Merit Cross for War Aid (Preussen. Verdienstkreuz für Kriegshilfe)". Medal-medaille.com. Retrieved 2013-05-21.

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Orders, decorations and medals of Prussia

Orders|

* Order of the Black Eagle
* Order of Merit of the Prussian Crown
* Order of the Red Eagle
* Order of the Crown
* House Order of Hohenzollern
* Pour le Mérite
* Order of Saint John (Bailiwick of Brandenburg)
* Order of Louise
* Wilhelm-Orden

Military decorations|

* Iron Cross
* Kulm Cross
* Military Merit Cross
* Military Honor Medal
* Merit Cross for War Aid
* Warrior Merit Medal

Civil decorations|

* Lifesaving Medal
* General Honor Decoration
* Merit Cross
* Jerusalem Cross
* Cross of the Mount of Olives
* Red Cross Medal
* Ladies Merit Cross
* Cross of Merit for Women and Girls

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