Summary
Five medals from the First World War, sewn onto a piece of metal, backed with blue felt and a large pin. On the back of the medal bar is sewn a tag for "Stempel Reich in Breslau I, Ring 55". Both medal bars have the same medals, but in reverse order (likely so that the two bars could be pinned to a uniform and mirror each other). 2023.79a displays the medals in this order: (F), (E), (D), (C), (B), (A). 2023.79b displays the medal in this order: (A), (B), (C), (D), (E), (F). the medals are described below.
(A) Commemorative World War I medal for combatants. This medal was instituted in 1929 by the Regent, Admiral Horthy. One side shows the weapon shield of Hungary topped by a crown, swords underneath the shield, and encircled by a laurel wreath. The reverse bears the text "Pro deo et Patria", a helmet, the dates 1914-1918, and half a laurel wreath. The medal is is attached to a ribbon with white, red, and green/white side stripes.
(B) Für Österreich commemorative World War I medal, features an image of an eagle with a shield in its talons. On the other side are the dates 1914-1918 surrounded by a laurel wreath. This medal was instituted in 1932. In 1933, the gilt crossed swords were awarded for those who served at the front, were wounded, or those who behaved with exceptional honor. The medal is attached to white ribbon with red stripes, which also has crossed swords pinned to it.
(C) Merit Award for Rescue from Danger (or Medaillen für Rettung aus Gefahr), a Prussian medal. The first was awarded in 1802. In 1833, King Friedrich Wilhelm III introduced a wearable award, the Verdienst-Ehrenzeichen für Rettung aus Gefahr, which continued to be awarded until the abolition of the Prussian monarchy at the end of 1918. A number of versions and variants exist. This one features a laurel wreath encircling the words "für Rettung aus Gefahr". On the other side is a portrait of King Friedrich Wilhelm III encircling text. It is attached to a ribbon with yellow and white stripes.
(D) Silesian Eagle medal. The Silesian Eagle was instituted in 1919 and was awarded to members of the paramilitary group Freikorps Oberland for three or six months of service, as well as for fighting during the Silesian Uprisings during the Weimar Republic. The medal is in the shape of an eagle with a half crescent and cross across its chest and the words "FUER SCHLESIEN" at the bottom. It is attached to a ribbon with yellow and white stripes.
(E) Hindenburg Cross or Honor Cross for combatants. Established in 1934 by Reichspräsident Paul von Hindenburg, the medal commemorates service during the First World War. The Honour Cross was modeled after the War Commemorative Medal of 1870/71. The cross was also awarded to non-combatants and next of kin, in the case of death, both versions of which do not feature crossed swords. The medal is in the shape of a bronze cross pattée. It features a laurel wreath encircling the years 1914 and 1918, with two crossed swords also featured. It is attached to ribbon with black, white, and red stripes.
(F) Iron Cross in black with silver outlines. The Iron Cross was established in 1813 by King Friedrich Wilhelm III of Prussia during the Napoleonic Wars, and was re-issued in 1870, 1914, and 1939 for service during the Franco-Prussian War, First World War, and Second World War respectively. One side of the cross has a crown, "W" in the center, and "1914". The other side decipts a crown above "FW", three oak leaves, and "1813". It is attached to a ribbon with black and white stripes.
