Medals from Germany from the Post-WW2 Period
German Military Medals & Awards from 1945 onwards
After World War II, Germany underwent significant political and social changes that influenced its system of honors and decorations. For one, and with the division of Germany into East and West, each state developed its own distinct approach to military and civil awards. But following the defeat of Nazi Germany, the Allied powers (the United States, the United Kingdom, the Soviet Union, and France) occupied the country. One of their primary goals was to demilitarize and denazify Germany to prevent any resurgence of militarism and nationalism. This involved the dismantling of the German military and its institutions, including the prohibition of Nazi symbols and military decorations associated with the Third Reich.
The Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) was established in 1949, and it was not until 1955 that the Bundeswehr (Federal Defense Force) was created. The new military force was designed to be under strict civilian control and integrated into the NATO alliance, reflecting a more defensive and cooperative military posture. On this page, you will find all military and campaign medals, orders of knighthood, awards, and decorations of Germany given during the post-WW2 period (1945 onwards).
Popular German Post-WW2
Medals, Orders & Decorations
Following the reunification of Germany in 1990, a unified system of honors was developed to incorporate elements from both the former West and East German traditions while eliminating those associated with the totalitarian pasts. Some decorations included:
The Order of Karl Marx
The Honored Activist Medal was a state award of the GDR conferred as an honorary title and granted to workers and employees.
The Hero of Labor (DDR)
The Hero of Labor was created by the German Democratic Republic and awarded for for supporting the socialist economy.
The Combat Action Medal of the Bundeswehr
The Combat Action Medal of the Bundeswehr is a military decoration awarded by the German Bundeswehr for active participation in action.
The Badge of Honor of the Bundeswehr
The Decorations of Honor of the Bundeswehr are a series of military decorations of the Bundeswehr awarded for loyal service.
The Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany
The Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany was created by the first President of the Federal Republic of Germany in 1951.
All Post-WW2 German Medals
The transformation of the German honors system after World War II reflects the broader changes in German society, moving from a period marked by totalitarianism and division to one characterized by democratic values and national unity.
The Bundeswehr initially had a limited number of decorations to reflect its defensive and professional nature, focusing more on service and merit rather than the extensive array of campaign and battle-specific medals seen in other militaries. The current system of awards serves as a tool for recognizing and encouraging contributions to the common good, both in military and civilian capacities.
Medals from the Democratic Republic of Germany
The German Democratic Republic (GDR), also known as East Germany, was a socialist state that existed from 1949 to 1990 in the eastern part of Germany during the Cold War. The German Democratic Republic established a variety of medals and decorations to recognize achievements and service in various fields such as military, civil service, labor, and social contributions. You can see some of the DDR medals below, but use the button if you want to see the complete list, as there are a lot more!
The Medal of Merit of the National People’s Army
The Medal of Merit of the National People’s Army was instituted in 1956 and was awarded for exceptional service of members of the NVA.
The Honored Doctor of the People Medal
The Honored Activist Medal was a state award of the GDR conferred as an honorary title and granted to workers and employees.
The Blücher Order
The Blücher Order was established in 1965 and supposed to be awarded to NVA soldiers as a valor award in a time of war.
The Star of People’s Friendship
The Star of People’s Friendship was established 20 August 1959 and awarded for exceptional merit towards friendship between nations.
The Banner of Labor (DDR)
The Banner of Labor was established in 1954 and awarded for excellent and long-standing service in strengthening and consolidating the GDR.
More Post-WW2 Medals
The German Armed Forces Deployment Medal
The German Armed Forces Deployment Medal is a decoration of the Bundeswehr awarded for military service in a designated military campaign.
The Combat Action Medal of the Bundeswehr
The Combat Action Medal of the Bundeswehr is a military decoration awarded by the German Bundeswehr for active participation in action.
The Badge of Honor of the Bundeswehr
The Decorations of Honor of the Bundeswehr are a series of military decorations of the Bundeswehr awarded for loyal service.
The Bundeswehr Cross of Honor for Valor
The Bundeswehr Cross of Honor for Valor is the highest military decoration of Germany and their first combat valor award since World War II.
The German Cross (Post-WW2 Version)
The German Cross (or Deutsches Kreuz in German) was instituted by Adolf Hitler on 28 September 1941 and awarded in gold and silver.
The Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany
The Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany was created by the first President of the Federal Republic of Germany in 1951.
Imperial Germany Medals
German medals from the Pre-World War I period reflect the diverse and rich history of the various German states and their military traditions before the unification of Germany in 1871 and leading up to the early 20th century. These medals were awarded for military bravery, civil service, and royal honors, and often featured intricate designs symbolizing the state’s heritage.
German Medals from World War I
German medals from World War I (also known as The Great War) were awarded to recognize bravery, service, and achievements of military personnel and civilians during the conflict from 1914 to 1918. These medals, issued by the German Empire and its constituent states, played a crucial role in maintaining morale and honoring the sacrifices made by soldiers and citizens alike.
German Medals from World War II
German medals from World War II were a significant aspect of Nazi Germany’s military honors system, designed to recognize and reward the bravery, service, and achievements of soldiers and civilians. These decorations varied in purpose and prestige, ranging from combat awards to long-service medals, and were often characterized by their distinctive designs incorporating Nazi symbols.
