Veteran Bring Back War Merit Medal 2nd Class w/o Swords in Packet-This is a very special offering. This medal was part of the veteran horde removed from the Reichskanzlei (Reich Chancellery) in 1945. I personally purchased these items from the family of an Army LTC, whose name we will provide to the buyer. They told me the vet was a great person who served with pride during WWII. He had seen a lot of action during the last year of the war and seldom spoke of those times. He did tell his family that he was a liaison officer stationed in Berlin right after the war ended and was able to sweet talk the Russian sentries and get access to the Reichskanzlei building. He was able to pick up over 200 unissued medals such as West Wall, War Merit Crosses, Eastern Peoples medals and Russian Front medals. This medal is unissued, and in its original packet of origin. The finish is missing on this example, the remaining zinc has toned to a dark gray color. The packet is marked by the maker. It also includes a portion of ribbon.
History: The War Merit Cross was instituted on October 18th, 1939, in two classes with both classes issued, with and without swords, for award to military personnel and civilians, including females and foreigners, for exemplary service and/or bravery in Germany’s war effort, in a non-combatant role. The addition of swords to the award signifies bravery while awards without swords were bestowed for service. The War Merit cross series of awards was expanded on August 19th, 1940, to include a Knight’s Cross of the War Merit Cross for award to personnel who had provided a substantial contribution to the war effort.