Olympic Games Decoration

The German Olympic Games Decoration (Deutsches Olympiaehrenzeichen) was a civil decoration of Nazi Germany awarded to administrators of the 1936 Olympics. The award was not intended for actual participants in the Olympics, but rather in recognition of those who had orchestrated the "behind the scenes" preparations and work for the events.^[1]

Several members of the SS, including, Reinhard Heydrich, Karl Wolff and Heinrich Himmler were awarded the Olympic Games decoration for providing security during the event.^[2] The decoration was presented to Leni Riefenstahl for her work in filming the various sports events. It was also presented, 2nd Class, to Hiroshi Ōshima, the Japanese Ambassador to Nazi Germany.^[3]

The Olympic Games decoration was awarded in three classes:

• Olympic Games Decoration (1st Class)
• Olympic Games Decoration (2nd Class)
• Olympic Games Medal

Of the three classes, the First Class was presented as a neck order. A total of 767 were presented. The second class was open to persons who played a significant, but lesser role as to the work which went into the presentation of the games. A total of 3,364 were awarded. The Olympic Games Medal (Olympia-Erinnerungsmedaille) was established to recognize service in connection with the preparation work and execution of the game events. The medal was not restricted to German nationals. All classes could be worn miniaturized on a ribbon bar.^[4]

References

1. ^ Lumsden, Robin (2001). Medals and Decorations of Hitler's Germany, The Crowood Press Ltd. ISBN 1840371781
2. ^ SS service record collection, United States National Archives; College Park, Maryland
3. ^ Angolia, John (1989). For Führer and Fatherland: Political & Civil Awards of the Third Reich, R. James Bender Publishing, p. 21. ISBN 0912138165
4. ^ Angolia, John (1989). For Führer and Fatherland: Political & Civil Awards of the Third Reich, pp. 17-22.