Decoration of honor of the German Red Cross

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Decoration of honor of the German Red Cross (silver level). Award case with medal, ribbon buckle, rosette (medal miniature)

The Decoration of Honor of the German Red Cross is a state-recognized medal and one of several awards given by the German Red Cross and its member associations.

Decoration of honor of the German Red Cross

The decoration of the German Red Cross from 1922 to 1937
Decoration of Honor of the German Red Cross (1922-1934) .jpg
Decoration of Honor of the German Red Cross (1934-1937) .jpg
The individual classes of the German Red Cross Decoration (1922–1934) The individual classes of the German Red Cross Decoration (1934–1937)
The decoration of the German Red Cross from 1937 until today
Decoration of Honor of the German Red Cross (1937-1939) .jpg
Decoration of Honor of the German Red Cross (from 1953) .jpg
The individual classes of the German Red Cross Decoration (from 1937–1939) The individual classes of the German Red Cross decoration (from 1953)

precursor

The decoration of the German Red Cross was first donated in 1922 and was awarded in two classes until 1934:

  1. Decoration of honor of the German Red Cross 1st class
  2. Decoration of honor of the German Red Cross, 2nd class

A special form is the decoration of the Red Cross of the Free City of Danzig , which until 1934 had its own decoration of the German Red Cross. From 1934 to 1939 this decoration was slightly modified and received a small black enameled swastika at its upper end. Outwardly, it differed only slightly from the previous German decorations of the Red Cross. At its upper end, however, the crown from the city arms of Danzig was attached. Its classification was:

  1. Cross of Merit of the Red Cross 1st class
  2. Decoration of honor of the German Red Cross, 2nd class

In 1934 the classes were reorganized:

  1. Star of the badge of honor of the German Red Cross
  2. Decoration of honor of the German Red Cross 1st class
  3. Cross of Merit of the German Red Cross
  4. Decoration of Honor of the Red Cross
  5. Ladies' Cross of Honor of the German Red Cross

In 1937 the design was changed and u. a. a swastika inserted and the classes reorganized again:

  1. Grand Cross of the Decoration of Honor of the German Red Cross
  2. Star of the badge of honor of the German Red Cross
  3. 1st class of the German Red Cross Decoration (with diamonds if necessary)
  4. Cross of Merit of the German Red Cross
  5. Second class of the German Red Cross decoration
  6. Medal of the Decoration of Honor of the German Red Cross

From 1939 the decorations of the Red Cross were no longer awarded and replaced by the decorations for German people care .

Another special case of the decoration of the German Red Cross was the decoration of the German Red Cross of the GDR . Held as a round badge, the DRK badge of honor of the GDR was awarded in bronze, silver and gold. The diameter was approx. 25 mm and consisted of three rings. Its structure resembled a cockade . The top of the outer ring read: GERMAN RED CROSS and on the lower half GERMAN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC . The second ring consisted of oak leaves that framed the word: FOR MERIT at the bottom in the middle . The inner and last ring was enameled white. In the center was the Red Cross, also enamelled.

Today's form

The decoration of the German Red Cross in its current form was donated on May 8, 1953 by the German Red Cross and is awarded by the President of the German Red Cross. It is an order approved by the Federal President . The award takes place in two classes, the first class in gold and the second class in silver. Both consist of a white enamel cross with a red cross, which is framed in the respective color. A strap buckle is part of the award . The ribbon is red and white. The badge of honor is usually only worn on the strap buckle, with the exception of the day it is awarded or if it is customary to wear the order in its original size on an occasion (e.g. state reception). The badge of honor is only awarded to those people who have made outstanding contributions to the cause and goals of the Red Cross through particularly successful work or through outstanding individual deals.

Other awards from the German Red Cross Association

Achievement clasp of the DRK

The DRK achievement clasp is awarded by the President of the German Red Cross. The award takes place in two classes: silver and gold. It consists of a red cross on a white background, which is followed by decorations in the respective award color. The performance clasp is worn on the seam on the right breast pocket. If the holder of the performance clasp also wears a performance badge, the performance clasp is worn below the strap buckle above the breast pocket. The performance clasp is awarded to those persons who are distinguished by extraordinary achievements in the Red Cross service and for whom no other award is intended or possible.

Annual clasp

Strap buckles DRK.jpg

The annual clasp is awarded by the respective district chairman for five years of service. First row of the graph 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 years of activity. Second row 30-, 35-, 40-, 45-, 50-, 55- and 60-year employment with the German Red Cross. The award itself only consists of a ribbon buckle (the first 25 years in silver, then in gold). The number of years is indicated with vertical red stripes. It is awarded for active membership in the DRK (including the Red Cross Youth ). The number of years is calculated from the beginning of active membership, including the trial period.

Badge of the water rescue service of the German Red Cross

Until 1977 their designation was the teaching or achievement badge of the water rescue service of the DRK. The badge is awarded on request if the relevant examination conditions are met. The award takes place in three levels: bronze, silver and gold, whereby the bronze level is not a badge of honor in the sense of the Ordensgesetz , the levels of gold and silver are recognized as badges of honor by the Federal President. The lifeguard badge can be obtained by anyone, provided that they meet the necessary requirements and pass the necessary exams. The badge shows an inclined buoy with DRK pennants in the water, which are enclosed by a wreath in which the lettering Wasserwacht Deutsches Rotes Kreuz is applied. With every fifth repetition of the test of the respective badge, it is awarded with the corresponding number (5, 10, 15 ...). The lifeguard badge is worn individually as a miniature pin, textile or metal large badge (badge), ribbon buckle or miniature medal buckle . The last two variants, however, only in silver and gold. Only the highest level reached is created in each case. The ribbon of the ribbon buckle and miniature of the medal is divided into the Olympic colors blue, yellow, black, green and red (1: 1: 4: 1: 1).

Achievement and teaching badges of the DRK water rescue service (1964–1976)

  • Achievement badge of the DRK water rescue service

  • Teaching badge of the DRK water rescue service

Blood donation badge of the German Red Cross

Blood donation badge in gold for 25 blood donations

The blood donation needle is awarded by the blood donation service in different stages, depending on the number of blood donations made . It is not tied to membership in the DRK.

Further awards

The DRK regional associations as well as some district associations also award other awards of their own in the form of a badge of honor as well as badges of honor, achievement and helper in various forms. The award of these decorations is regulated by the statutes of the individual organizations.

See also

Web links

Commons : Decoration of Honor of the German Red Cross  - Collection of pictures, videos and audio files

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Law on Titles, Orders and Decorations. Federal Office of Justice, accessed on February 5, 2020 .