Kriegsverdienstkreuz

The Kriegsverdienstkreuz was instituted on October 18th 1939 and its rules were published in RGBl. I v. 24.10.39, no. 209, p. 2069.The preambule states: "Als Zeichen der Anerkennung für Verdienste in dem uns aufgezwungenen Krieg, ..., stifte ich den Orden des Kreigsverdienstkreuzes.", which indicates that the Kriegsverdienstkreuz is to be seen as an Order. On the AUgust 19th 1940, the article 1 received a new paragraph (2) (see: RGBl. I v. 28.08.1940, no. 154, p. 1178), where the affiliated Kreigsverdienstmedaille was instituted.