kvk with swords

This is a German War Merit Cross (Kriegsverdienstkreuz) 2nd class with swords.It was established on October 18, 1939 by Adolf Hitler.The swords version was awarded to soldiers for bravery not directly at the front, or for exceptional service in combat.The version without swords was awarded to civilians and military personnel for meritorious service in support of the war effort.The Cross for War Merit was instituted to replace the non-combatant Iron Cross 2nd Class, which had been used in previous wars.