Spanish Cross

The Spanish Cross (German: "Spanienkreuz") was an award of Germany given by Adolf Hitler to Germans, who participated in the Spanish Civil War, fighting for Franco.

History

With the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War, Germany sent military forces, the Condor Legion to the aid of Francisco Franco's nationalist forces.

After the war a decoration for the German soldiers who fought in the Spanish civil war was created. So in April 14, 1939 the Spanish Cross was instituted.

Classes

Bronze

The non-combatant version was awarded for three months of service in Spain.

7869 bronze crosses were awarded.

Bronze with Swords

The Spanish Cross in Bronze with Swords was given for showing merit during the war.

8462 bronze with Swords crosses were awarded.

Silver

The Silver Cross was a non-combatant version awarded for merit.

327 silver crosses were awarded.

Silver with Swords

The Spanish Cross in Silver was awarded to the soldiers who took part in decisive battles or had a considerable fighting experience.

8304 silver crosses with swords were awarded.

Gold

The Spanish Cross in Gold was awarded to a soldier who showed great merits in combat or achieved uncanny accomplishments.

1126 gold crosses were awarded.

Gold with Diamonds

The Spanish Cross in Gold with Diamonds was the highest rank of the decoration. It was awarded to those who showed great leadership skills in battle or great merits.

28 gold crosses with diamonds were awarded.(Sperrle, Volkmann, Richthofen, von Thoma, Mehnert, Harlinghausen, Wolff, Harder, Lützow, Mölders, von Moreau, Neudörffer, Schellmann, Schlichting, Balthasar, Bertram, Enslen, Galland, Hoyos, von Kessel, Kraft, Oesau, Seiler, Stärcke, Boddem, Fehlhalber, Henrici, Runze)*

"* ordered by rank, beginning with General der Flieger"

Next of Kin

The Spanish Cross for Next of Kin was awarded to relatives of soldiers who died during their stay in Spain.

315 crosses of this class was awarded.

Design

The Spanish Cross is very similar in shape to a Maltese cross. In its centre is a swastika, and between each arm of the cross there is the Luftwaffeadler, coats of arms, and two crossed swords (they aren't in the non-combatant version). Diamonds are placed around the swastika in the highest ranking of these awards.

The reverse side is plain and has a pin used for wearing the cross on the uniform.

The cross for next of kin is shaped as a non-combatant cross, only smaller in size. Unlike the other it is attached to a ribbon in black with edges in red, yellow, and red (the colours of the Spanish flag).