- Time Period: Post-WW2
- Institution: 17 February 1966
- Country: Germany (GDR DDR German Democratic Republic)
The Scharnhorst Order (or Scharnhorst-Orden or Scharnhorstorden in German) was the premier military decoration awarded to members of the East German National People’s Army (NVA). Instituted on February 17, 1966, by the Council of Ministers of the German Democratic Republic (GDR), it honored those who made significant contributions to the military or other areas vital to strengthening the GDR. The decoration was bestowed from its inception until the dissolution of the GDR in 1990.
The Scharnhorst Order commemorates Gerhard Johann David von Scharnhorst (1755-1813), a distinguished soldier who served in the Hanoverian and Prussian armies. Renowned as a military theorist and reformer, Scharnhorst advocated for significant changes in the Prussian military system and emphasized the strategic role of the General Staff. His writings and reforms laid foundational principles that the GDR’s National People’s Army sought to emulate. The GDR authorities celebrated Scharnhorst as a forward-thinking military strategist and a patriot, whose ideals resonated with their vision for a robust and efficient military force.
The Scharnhorst Order Award Criteria
The Scharnhorst Order was awarded for outstanding military service, significant contributions to the protection of the GDR, and efforts in strengthening the national defense. It was primarily conferred upon generals and admirals but also recognized units, associations, and civil bodies within the following contexts:
- National People’s Army (NVA): Typically awarded on March 1, the anniversary of the NVA.
- Border Troops of the GDR (Grenztruppen – GT): Presented on December 1, the anniversary of the GT.
- Civil Defense of the DDR (ZV): Given on February 11, the anniversary of the ZV.
- Ministry of State Security (Stasi): Bestowed on February 8, the anniversary of the Stasi.
In addition to military personnel, the order could be awarded to members of various other institutions within the GDR, including civil facilities and foreign military figures. An example of a foreign recipient was Marshal Viktor Georgiyevich Kulikov of the Soviet Union.
The Scharnhorst Order Design
The design of the Scharnhorst Order was the work of Klaus Bernsdorf from Berlin, with the portrait of Scharnhorst on the medal sculpted by Fritz Schulz, also from Berlin.
The medal featured a striking depiction of Scharnhorst surrounded by elements that symbolized military strength and strategic acumen, reflecting his legacy and the award’s prestige.
Each award was accompanied by an elaborately crafted document and a one-time cash prize of 5,000 Marks, underscoring the honor and significance of the Scharnhorst Order.
