German Cross with Diamonds: ranking hierarchy

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offizier1916
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German Cross with Diamonds: ranking hierarchy

#1

Post by offizier1916 » 23 Jun 2016, 11:12

Hallo,

i just read that approx. 20 german cross with diamonds were produced but never awarded.

I know that the german cross in gold is higher than the IC first class, but has to be ranked lower than the KC.

Where would the german cross with diamonds would be ranked in the award hierarchy?still lower than the KC?

Mark Costa
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Re: German Cross with Diamonds: ranking hierarchy

#2

Post by Mark Costa » 23 Jun 2016, 15:31

There was no set regulations for the German Cross with Diamonds but most researchers agree that it would have ranked above the Knights Cross and below the Oakleaves.

Mark Costa


offizier1916
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Re: German Cross with Diamonds: ranking hierarchy

#3

Post by offizier1916 » 23 Jun 2016, 17:25

Mark Costa wrote:There was no set regulations for the German Cross with Diamonds but most researchers agree that it would have ranked above the Knights Cross and below the Oakleaves.

Mark Costa
thats intersting. my feeling was to rank the german cross with diamonds higher than the oakleaves, maybe even higher than the swords.

or as a sort of special "honour" award, like the Pilot/Obsever badge in gold and with diamonds.
Because the GC with diamonds were ordered in summer 42 and delivered by october 1942 (source: wikipedia) but never awarded. Whereas the Oakleaves, swords, diamonds to the Knights cross were awarded after october 1942.....so it would make sense (imo) to classify the german cross with diamonds as a sort of special honour award

Mark Costa
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Joined: 26 Jul 2002, 18:41
Location: USA

Re: German Cross with Diamonds: ranking hierarchy

#4

Post by Mark Costa » 23 Jun 2016, 20:38

Remember the Pilot / observer Badge with Diamonds was not a authorized decoration but a special personal award of Göring's. The German Cross with Diamonds was certainly made with the premise that it would be an authorized official award -- hence it would have had an official rank in the scheme of things but alas was it was never officially authorized or awarded. It is just considered a prototype by collectors and researchers.

Mark

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