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 by Hitler on 18 October 1939 to reward wartime contributions outside of front-line combat, offering a means of state recognition for civil servants, medical personnel, industrial workers, and administrators supporting the war effort. Unlike the Iron Cross, it carried no requirement of direct engagement with the enemy, and the "without swords" version specifically denoted purely civilian or non-combatant merit, as distinct from the swords variant given to those serving in a supporting capacity nearer the front. It was produced and awarded in large numbers throughout the Reich and occupied territories between 1939 and 1945, making it one of the most common Second World War German decorations.