German War Merit Cross Second Class Without Swords, 1939 This is a War Merit Cross Second Class, without swords, retaining its original red-white-black ribbon. The obverse displays a swastika at center within a wreath, and the reverse carries the date 1939 in a laurel surround, the standard reverse for this class of the decoration. The War Merit Cross was instituted by Hitler in October 1939 to recognize wartime service and contributions made away from combat duty, distinguishing it from the Iron Cross, which was reserved for frontline gallantry. The "without swords" variant was awarded for meritorious civilian or non-combatant service, while the version with swords denoted a role closer to the front. It was issued widely throughout the Wehrmacht, civil administration, and war industries during the Second World War. The War Merit Cross was established as a means of formally recognising contributions to the German war effort by those not eligible for combat decorations, including administrators, medical personnel, industrial workers, and officials whose duties supported the military campaign without direct exposure to combat. It came in two classes, with the Second Class being the more commonly awarded grade, distributed in large numbers throughout the war years across military, governmental, and industrial sectors of the Reich. Its "without swords" designation specifically marked recipients whose service was rendered away from the front, distinguishing them from those decorated for duties performed under enemy fire.