German Cross in Gold

The German Cross in Gold (the 'cross' of the title refers to the swastika in the centre, rather than its shape) comprises a silver plated brass eight pointed star with many rays, overlaid with a similar, but slightly smaller, star of chemically blackened brass. At the centre of the star is a silver plated and red enamelled 41 mm disc, on which is a gilded brass circular laurel wreath with the date '1941' at its base and containing a silver and black enamel swastika. The reverse has a 48 mm pin bar for attachment.

Also known as the War Order of the German Cross, or the DK (Deutches Kreuz), this award, designed by Professor Klein of Munich, was intended to reward combat gallantry, ranking in precedence between the Iron Cross 1st Class and the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. It was not, however, a part of the Iron Cross series of awards, being used in tandem with these, and worn on the right breast. Some 30 000 were awarded to members of the German armed forces between September 1941 and the end of the war.