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 as a means of rewarding wartime contributions outside the scope of front-line combat gallantry, which remained the preserve of the Iron Cross. The Second Class without swords was the lowest and most commonly awarded grade, typically given to civil servants, administrators, industrial workers, and others whose efforts supported the war economy or state functions. It was produced in large numbers throughout the war years and remains one of the most frequently encountered Third Reich-era decorations.