My Cool Old Stuff

Bavarian Infantry Regimental Medal

Obverse  "For King and Fatherland"

Reverse "

Above are two distinctly different medal bars.  On the left is a three medal grouping consisting of (left to right) 1) Iron Cross Second Class, 2) the German Legion of Honor, a WW1 commemorative award of the Weimar Republic with a laurel wreath and sword,3) The Kyffhäuser War Commemorative Medal, also a Weimar Republic veteran's award.   The wearing of all veterans medals was outlawed by the new Nazi government after the introduction on the Honor Cross of the Great War in July of 1934.  This is a pre 1934 medal grouping.

The medal bar on the right consists of 1) Iron Cross Second Class and the Honor Cross of the Great War.  This is a post 1934 medal bar.

Imperial Iron Cross First Class.  Generally awarded for 5 or more acts of bravery.  Holding the Iron Cross Second Class was required before this medal was awarded.

Honor Cross without Swords Austrian Mount with mini Medal

Imperial German Army Belt Buckle

​Honor Cross with Swords issued to Friedrick Mros Backer who lived in Salt Lake City, Utah at the time the award was issued.  The award was issued by the German Consulate in San Francisco, CA  on October 22, 1936.

Black Wound Badge

Awarded for one to four wounds

The Honor Cross and established on July 13,1934 for First World War service and was issued in three forms.  The cross with swords was issued to front line veterans, those without swords were issued to non-combat veterans, and a black cross with out swords was issued to surviving widows, parents, and next-of-kin of those killed. The Honor Cross continued to be  issued until 1944.

Widow's Cross

Iron Cross Second Class.  Awarded for an act of bravery.

Private Peter Schuhmair

1st Company 3rd Bavarian Infantry Regiment

               Image from Memorial Card

WWI German Medals and Badges

Honor Cross with Swords Austrian Mount with ribbon bar