History of the medal
Spanish Cross (Spanienkreuz) is the ward of 3 Reich during the Second World War, established on April 14, 1939. Hitler signed a decree on the establishment of the Spanish Cross «… As a sign of my appreciation and gratitude for the contribution of German volunteers in the destruction of Bolshevism in the fight for freedom in Spain … «. This II World War German medal was intended to honor soldiers who served in Spain during the Civil War from July 1936 to March 1939 on the side of Gen. Francisco Franco (Francisco Franco Bahamonde, 1892-1975).
By the special resolution of the Kriegsmarine this award was given to the staff of the subsidiary, trade and supply of ships involved in the territorial waters of Spain during this period. After the returning of the Legion «Condor» to Germany, there was established a special commission for awarding and organizing celebrations. The eight-day «Festival of Victory» began with the presentation of special award to the legionnaires — German Spanish Cross in Gold (Deutsche Spanien-Kreuz in Gold).
Statute of the medal. Spanish Cross was established in four categories:
- Cross in bronze (Spanienkreuz in Bronze);
- Cross in silver (Spanienkreuz in Silber);
- Cross in gold (Spanienkreuz in Gold);
- Cross in gold with diamonds (Spanienkreuz in Gold mit Brillanten).
Bronze and Silver categories crosses were divided into two levels:
- with swords (mit Schwertern) — for military personnel who took part in hostilities;
- without swords (ohne Schwerter) — for service in support units, medical personnel and civilians. Crosses of gold and gold with diamonds were only produced with swords. They were awarded solely to the persons who participated in battle actions.
The awardee of the Spanish Cross was issued a commendation list, and the information on decorating with the cross was recorded in all personal documents.
Description of the medal
Avers of this II World War German medal is made in the form of eight-pointed Maltese cross with a circular superimposed medallion in the middle with a swastika in the center. Between the beams with a fine-grained texture in the polished frame there are four eagles — the emblem of the Luftwaffe (70% of the staff of the Legion «Condor» were pilots) with a swastika in claws, and crossed Teutonic swords. The reverse of the award is smooth with a wide pin and a brand of the manufacturer.
This award of 3 Reich consists of three parts: cross with swords with or without swards; superimposed central medallion with four swastikas and eagles. The eagles were made separately and then soldered to the rays of the cross and, if so, to swords.
Spanish Cross was permanently worn on the right breast pocket of uniform. If, subsequently, the awardee received the German Cross, the Spanish reward was placed underneath.