(Kriegsorden des Deutschen Kreuzes)

Date Instituted

28 September 1941

Requirements

* Awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class
* Repeated acts above and beyond the call of duty

Number awarded

24.204

Recipients

Foreign holders of the German Cross in Gold
German Cross in Gold Holders of Germany's Allies
German Cross in Gold double awards
Holders of the German Cross in Gold & Silver

There is only one known recipients of the German Cross in Gold in the Volkssturm (Home Guard), Volkssturm-Btl.-Führer Sachs who recieved it in February 1945.

NVA Generals & Admirals who were awarded the German Cross (German Democratic Republic)

The holders of this award are listed on the individual unit histories as part of the Holders of high awards project.

Award Documents

Oberleutnant Friedrich K. Ruprecht

A scan from the Wehrpass of Oberleutnant Willi Schultz listing the German Cross in Gold

(Courtesy of Kevin Huckfield)

Known makers/markings

1, 4, 20, 21, 134

Estimated price (2009)

€1.400-2.400

Hauptmann Bodo Spranz

(Courtesy of Paal Waland)

Oberleutnant Franz Hulin of 8./Inf.Rgt. 453, 253. Infanterie-Division

(Courtesy of Kevin Huckfield)

Major Friedrich Bader wearing both classes of the German Cross

(Courtesy of Anton)

Comments

A cloth version also existed

It ranked between the Iron Cross 1st Class and the Knight's Cross.

It was designed by Professor Klein.

The OKW barred by decree the awarding of the German Cross in Gold for "multiple remarkable services in troop leadership" from 10 March 1945 on.

Photo courtesy of N & T Global Trading, Relics of the Reich, The Ruptured Duck and Santiago

Sources used

Christopher Ailsby - World War 2 German medals and political awards
John R. Angolia - For Führer and Fatherland: Military awards of the Third Reich
David Littlejohn - Orders, decorations, medals and badges of the Third Reich
Detlev Niemann - Price Guide Germany 1871-1945 (2009)