Award Dates

[Rich G]

It's a basic question, I know but I've never quite worked it out...

Is the award date of say a DKiG or RK the date of :

a) the action that lead to the bestowal;
b) the recognition of the event (eg. a week after a heavy engagement when they finally had time to get round to the paperwork); or
c) the actual bestowal

Rich

[Allan P.]

Hi Rich,


As far as the citation of the RK is concerned the service rank of the holder 'ON THE DAY ON WHICH THE ACT TOOK PLACE' for which the decoration is being awarded is entered.

I would say therefore that it is the day that the action took place.

Allan

[magprint]

Award Date

To the best of my knowledge the date appearing on the preliminary award certificate and the large mappe (when one was made) was the date the Führer (actually his adjutant who was in charge of this task) approved the RK/Eich/Sw/Dia award. Keep in mind many times it was not a single action for which the man received the award; but an accumulation of actions. (i.e. Göring getting the Grand Cross for the French campaign).

The proposal for the award went up through the ranks and ultimately ended up on Hitler's "desk". He reserved to right to do the final approval of the RK and above. He also personally reviewed (again to the best of my knowledge) any awards to General rank officers. But normally the adjutant (Schmundt until he was killed in the 7/20/44 bombing) would be the final approval up to the rank of Oberst (and its Navy/SS equal).

I am not sure who would be the final approval on the GCinG/S.

Regards,
Rich Moran