I'm not sure if this question is better suited here or in the 1957 awards forum.
1. What is the official status of the full-sized, 1957 versions of wartime awards versus the ribbon form? Photographically, the ribbons appear to be the official form of wear for daily use are a common sight in photos from the 1950s thru 1970s.
2. The Ordengesetz 1957 is public law/decree regarding the public wear of military decorations of prior years by the populace, in general, as well as the Bundeswehr. Decorations from the 3rd Reich era are specifically addressed with stipulations that NSDAP symbols be removed and spells out the acceptable forms of medals from this era. The Ordengesetz aligns the decorations with civil code Strafgesetzbuch § 86a (banning NSDAP symbols -- swastika, runes, etc). Section 12 lists the order of wear and manner of wear of medals for soldiers of the Bundeswehr but is quite vague beyond stating they (presumably medals?) are worn above the left pocket.
3. The wear of 1957 versions of full-sized medal via loops on the uniform in wartime placement appears to be only in studio-type settings. These photos tend to show wearers towards the ends of their careers (my interpretation) and possibly these are photos immediately after retirement?? I suggest this since the Ordengesetz rules as apply to the general populace would then apply, thereby removing the wear restrictions for active soldiers (above left pocket only and only select awards)?
4. In my limited interactions with former Bundeswehr/Wehrmacht veterans (direct acquisition of just 2 uniforms), it is my understanding that the ribbon forms of WW2 medals were authorized for daily wear. The wear of court-mounted versions of full-sized medals above the left pocket was appears an accepted practice on formal occassions but was not required (subject to the provisions of the Ordengesetz). I've found no evidence of the German government ordering, commissioning, purchasing, or providing 1957 versions of wartime medals to any member of the Bundeswehr.
5. The Ordengesetz lists order of wear. The Iron Cross 1914 and Iron Cross 1939 are both listed in Section 12. However, the added comment of "and its varying grades" is omitted from this section, implying that only the EK1 and EK2 could be worn. However, further along in Section 12, items 8 and 9 provide vague guidance for "8. Other medals awarded for service in the Second World War in the order of their conferment" and "9. Further German awards in the order of their conferment". What does this mean? Ost Front medal is pretty clear. Panzer Badge? Not sure how one would wear this award as a court-mounted version above the left pocket?
6. Is there/was there a list of ribbon forms of wartime medals published?
7. Some examples of official portraits:
Gunther Rall
8. Are these photos taken immediately after retirement (i.e. technically no longer serving Bundeswehr soldiers)?
Ludwig Bauer
References:
http://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/or...008440957.html
http://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bu...hwv/gesamt.pdf
1. What is the official status of the full-sized, 1957 versions of wartime awards versus the ribbon form? Photographically, the ribbons appear to be the official form of wear for daily use are a common sight in photos from the 1950s thru 1970s.
2. The Ordengesetz 1957 is public law/decree regarding the public wear of military decorations of prior years by the populace, in general, as well as the Bundeswehr. Decorations from the 3rd Reich era are specifically addressed with stipulations that NSDAP symbols be removed and spells out the acceptable forms of medals from this era. The Ordengesetz aligns the decorations with civil code Strafgesetzbuch § 86a (banning NSDAP symbols -- swastika, runes, etc). Section 12 lists the order of wear and manner of wear of medals for soldiers of the Bundeswehr but is quite vague beyond stating they (presumably medals?) are worn above the left pocket.
3. The wear of 1957 versions of full-sized medal via loops on the uniform in wartime placement appears to be only in studio-type settings. These photos tend to show wearers towards the ends of their careers (my interpretation) and possibly these are photos immediately after retirement?? I suggest this since the Ordengesetz rules as apply to the general populace would then apply, thereby removing the wear restrictions for active soldiers (above left pocket only and only select awards)?
4. In my limited interactions with former Bundeswehr/Wehrmacht veterans (direct acquisition of just 2 uniforms), it is my understanding that the ribbon forms of WW2 medals were authorized for daily wear. The wear of court-mounted versions of full-sized medals above the left pocket was appears an accepted practice on formal occassions but was not required (subject to the provisions of the Ordengesetz). I've found no evidence of the German government ordering, commissioning, purchasing, or providing 1957 versions of wartime medals to any member of the Bundeswehr.
5. The Ordengesetz lists order of wear. The Iron Cross 1914 and Iron Cross 1939 are both listed in Section 12. However, the added comment of "and its varying grades" is omitted from this section, implying that only the EK1 and EK2 could be worn. However, further along in Section 12, items 8 and 9 provide vague guidance for "8. Other medals awarded for service in the Second World War in the order of their conferment" and "9. Further German awards in the order of their conferment". What does this mean? Ost Front medal is pretty clear. Panzer Badge? Not sure how one would wear this award as a court-mounted version above the left pocket?
6. Is there/was there a list of ribbon forms of wartime medals published?
7. Some examples of official portraits:
Gunther Rall
8. Are these photos taken immediately after retirement (i.e. technically no longer serving Bundeswehr soldiers)?
Ludwig Bauer
References:
http://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/or...008440957.html
http://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bu...hwv/gesamt.pdf
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