Non Combattant EK2 into WW2

[PaulR]

There are a couple of questions that I have always had on my mind...

1. Were WW1 non-combattant EK2s worn from the Buttonhole during the WW2 time period? I have seen WW2 Era ribbon bars with the EK2, so it could stand to reason that someone would have one sewn into a buttonhole.

If so, please share any photos.

2. If a service member were a WW1 NonCombattant EK2 winner who was in the military in WW2, what were the odds he would be in a position in WW2 to receive the clasp?

If there are any period photos with the NC EK2 with a 1939 clasp... please share them as well.

Any help in clarifying these questions would be greatly appeciated.

Regards
Paul

[Jørgen E]

As far as I know, the Kriegsverdienstkreuz (War Merit Cross) replaced the EK2 for noncombatants in WW2! The EK2 was only awarded to personell serving in the armed forces / in combat..

During WWI, the ribbon had obosite colors on the medal ribbon for EK2 for combatans and non-combatanst. As Hitler changed the colors of the ribbon from black and white (WWI) to red, black and white (where red symboled the blood), I believe the non-combatant EK2 were replaced the KVK.

Or do you mean that personell also serving during WW1 and won the non-combatant EK2 would wear it during WW2?

Please correct me if I am wrong!

[Ludwig]

-

The Iron cross was awarded to soldiers or to civilians who – for some reason – participated in combat. For non-combat actions there was the War merit cross.

[PaulR]

Sorry for the confusion.

My question was based upon a Non Combattant Iron Cross Awardee from WW1, who later participated in WW2.

[PaulR]

Someone like this...

[PaulR]

No one?

[Don D.]

Nice bar Paul. I can see no reason that a winner of the noncombatant EK2 could not earn a clasp for a second award provided the award was for combat. Your guy evidently earned a KVK2 with swords which is the theoretical equivilent to his EK2 from WW1. I see his Hindenburg Cross had swords for the front fighter.
I imagine this guy would have worn both his ek2 ribbon and his kvk2 ribbon through the buttonhole on his tunic.

[Tiger 1]

The KvK ribbon was not worn in the button hole.

The EKII and the Russian front ribbon as well a one or two other Imperial awards were authorized for wear thru the button hole.

Tony

[PaulR]

Tony and ddoering,

Thank you for your valuable input.

Hi Tony,

I read that the following awards were authorized for wear in the second buttonhole on a WW2 era tunic(This does not includethe pocket flap button holes):

Iron Cross Second Class
War Merit Cross Second Class
Russian Front Campaign
Lifesaving Medal

The KVK2 was authorized and commonly worn through the second buttonhole.

ddoering,

It would make sense... have you ever seen a WW2 era tunic with this ribbon(NC EK2) in the buttonhole(or even a photo)?

[Giel VW]

The KvK ribbon was not worn in the button hole.


Tony

I have some wartime photos which show the opposite...

[Tiger 1]

?????

Where have I been?

Tony

[Don D.]

I have some wartime photos which show the opposite...

I'll second that.

And I don't know where you have been.

[Schurgers]

Paul,

We had a discussion on this subject. look for a tread called:

It is possible a Spange in a Non-combatant?

I am sorry but I do not know how to make a link

Willem Schurgers

[Darrell]

I read that the following awards were authorized for wear in the second buttonhole on a WW2 era tunic(This does not includethe pocket flap button holes):

Iron Cross Second Class
War Merit Cross Second Class
Russian Front Campaign
Lifesaving Medal

Don't forget the II class Ostvolk medals as well

[PaulR]

Don't forget the II class Ostvolk medals as well

Darrell,

The Major seems to be breaking all of the rules! LOL! I love the three ribbons in the buttonhole....

Schurgers,

I am a bit brain damaged... I now remember. I will look for the thread and link it here. I dont think that either a definate answer or a period photo were ever produced.

Regards
Paul

I cannot find that thread. What section is it posted in?