Award Criteria - Social Welfare 3rd Class

[Douglas Jr.]

Hi folks,

What was the award criteria to this medal? The Social Welfare medals were "step" decorations, like the Iron Cross Order? Were they wartime or peace time awards (or both)?

Sorry for those dumb questions but here is the place when I can get the fastest answers!

Thanks in advance.

Douglas.

[Douglas Jr.]

Any tip?

Any tip?

[Tom Yanacek]

Hello Douglas,

The Social Welfare Decorations were instituted on May 1, 1939 and they were to replace the Red Cross Decorations. They were awarded to civilians as well as to military personnel for loyal service in connection with any social welfare program, winter relief, taking care of the sick and wounded (in peace and in wartime), maintaing the old traditions and customs, and for assisting German nationals in foreign countries.
With the awards to military personnel, it was the rank of the recipient that determined the class of award. General Officers received the 1st Class, Oberst and Oberstleutnant the 2nd Class, Major and Hauptmann the 3rd Class, and Leutnant and below received the Social Welfare Medal. If however, the service qualified the person for award of the War Merit Cross or some other military award, then the Social Welfare Decoration would not be awarded.
In January of 1942, the crossed swords device was authorized to indicate a wartime award. The 1st and 2nd Class awards remained unchanged, but gold crossed swords could be worn through the ribbon of the 3rd Class, and silver crossed swords could be worn through the ribbon on the Social Welfare Medal.
After 1942, there were two additional classes: a Special Class which was a breast star worn with a cross sash and suspended decoration, and a 1st Class with diamonds.
With the civilian awards, it was again the status of the individual that determined what class was awarded.
Best regards! Tom

[Douglas Jr.]

Thanks

Tom,

Thank you! Just what I needed to know.

Best wishes,

Douglas.