The Ehrenzeichen des DRK der DDR

[HPL2008]

Following up on my threads about awards of the FRG's German Red Cross, I'd like to feature a decoration of its counterpart in the GDR:

The Ehrenzeichen des Deutschen Roten Kreuzes der DDR [Decoration of the German Red Cross of the GDR] was the highest decoration of East Germany's Red Cross organisation. It was awarded in recognition of particularly meritorious achievements and long-term exemplary fulfillment of duty in the German Red Cross. The award could be bestowed on individuals as well as collectives.

The decoration came in the customary three classes of bronze, silver and gold. With a change of the award statutes in 1969, one higher grade was added: The Ehrenzeichen in Gold mit der Ehrenspange [Decoration in Gold with the Honor Clasp].

The basic decoration was a hollow-backed, round pin-back award of 39 mm diameter. Its circular center field bore the Red Cross Symbol on a white background and was surrounded by dual borders. The inner border was decorated with oak leaves and had the words "FÜR VERDIENSTE" ["FOR MERIT"] in its lower part. The outer one bore the words "DEUTSCHES ROTES KREUZ" ["GERMAN RED CROSS"] in the upper half and "DEUTSCHE DEMOKRATISCHE REPUBLIK" ["GERMAN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC"] in the lower one.
Recipients received a two-part set with the full-size version of the badge and a miniature version for civilian wear (16.5 mm diameter).

As the name implies, the Ehrenzeichen in Gold mit der Ehrenspange was basically the gold grade decoration (in the slightly smaller size of 31 mm) suspended from a separate, rectangular clasp (30.5 mm x 10.5 mm), which had a white obverse with a Red Cross symbol flanked by one golden oak leaf on each side. This grade was solid-backed.

When the German Red Cross of the GDR was unified with (or rather was taken over by) the German Red Cross of the FRG, the terms of their unification agreement guaranteed that decorations of the East German Red Cross could still be worn with Red Cross service dress.

[HPL2008]

Like most East German awards, this long-running decoration underwent a decline in quality over time.

The earliest model of the badge had an enamelled center with transparent enamel used for the Red Cross symbol. Later, this was changed to opaque enamel. Starting in 1973, the centers were painted and covered in transparent plastic. This is probably the most unattractive version, particularly nowadays, as the plastic material has oftened turned yellowish over the decades. From 1978 on, they were only painted.

Also, earlier badges bear a little metal plaque with the award number on the reverse side. This practice was eventually discontinued.

For illustration and comparison, here is the silver grade in all four models:

[HPL2008]

More examples, in chronological order of the four versions.

First model, with transparent enamel:

[HPL2008]

Second model, opaque enamel:

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Third model, plastic coating:

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Fourth and final model, painted:

[HPL2008]

A cased example of the Ehrenzeichen in Gold mit der Ehrenspange. This special grade is significantly rarer than the - admittedly very common - lower grades.

[HPL2008]

Continued, with a size comparison to the "regular" gold grade:

[HPL2008]

More cased examples:

[HPL2008]

Continued; a closer look at the bronze and silver grade...:

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...and the gold grade:

[HPL2008]

And finally, a very late gold-grade grouping. (The following year, the Berlin wall fell and the year after that saw the end of the GDR...)

The award document's text translates as: "As a sign of recognition for outstanding achievements, the editorial staff of the magazine 'Schützen und Helfen' is awarded the Decoration of the German Red Cross of the GDR in Gold. Dresden, 11th Feb. 1988".

The document is signed by Gerhard Rehwald, a former miitary physician and Generalleutnant of the NVA who served as the president of the GDR's German Red Cross from 1987 to 1989. "Schützen und Helfen" [= "To protect and help"] was the magazine for the GDR's civil defense:

[HPL2008]

The set of decorations in its plastic box:

[Ralph P]

This is a fantastic thread. I believe we have talked about this subject in the past, however you have taken it a step further. Nicely done and also nice to see what you have in your collection.

[Gordon Craig]

HPL2008,

Great addition to the thread. I haven't seen this latest addition before.

Regards,

Gordon