War merit medal

About the item: Nice, and in very good condition, War merit medal with Austrian fold ribbon. The medal with an Austrian fold ribbon are much harder to find then the ones with the standard ribbon. About the medal: The War Merit Medal (Kriegsverdienstkreuz/medal, or KVK) was a German World War II decoration. Both soldiers and civilians could earn it. Adolf Hitler decreed its creation on October 18, 1939, in his role as Head of State. The KVK honored civilians who made major wartime contributions without fighting on the front. The Wehrmacht also gave it to military personnel in non-combat roles. These included doctors, medics, veterinarians, and men working in supply or support services. Many Germans nicknamed the KVK a 'rear echelon medal' (Etappenorden). They used the term because recipients often avoided front-line danger. Some even mocked the award's holders as 'rear echelon heroes' (Etappenhelden) or 'rear stallions.' Click HERE for more info about the War Merit medal and cross