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Scharnhorstorden Medal of East German Army NVA GDR DDR Scharnhorst Order Badge The Scharnhorst Order (German: Scharnhorst-Orden or German: Scharnhorstorden) was the highest medal awarded to members of the East German National People's Army (NVA). It was given for services to military or other strengthening of the German Democratic Republic (GDR). Established on 17 February 1966 by the Council of Ministers of the GDR, it was awarded until the dissolution of the GDR in 1990. Awarded for
Military services, contributions to the protection of the GDR, and strengthening the national defense of the GDR
The medal was first awarded on 1 March 1966. There were two initial recipients of the award, which was presented by Walter Ulbricht. They were Army General Heinz Hoffmann and Admiral Waldemar Verner. Other recipients are:
• General Karl-Heinz Wagner
• Army General Heinz Kessler
• Willi Stoph
• Erich Mielke
• Colonel General Fritz Streletz
• Klaus-Dieter Baumgarten
• Major-General Leopold Gotthilf
• Generaloberst Erich Peter[1]
The medal commemorates the legacy of Gerhard Johann David von Scharnhorst (1755-1813), a soldier in Hanoverian and Prussian service, military theorist, reformer and German patriot. His military achievements included extensive combat experience and military writings wherein he emphasized the importance of the "General Staff" and their ability to work and plan war and battle strategy. GDR authorities regarded Scharnhorst as a progressive military theorist and advocate for reforms in the Prussian military system - all foundations on which the National People's Army was based. Scharnhorst also linked the NVA to the traditions of German Peasants Revolution of 1848.
Klaus Bernsdorf of Berlin designed the medal. The sculptor Fritz Schulz, also of Berlin, produced the portrait of Scharnhorst that appears on the medal.
The order was given for outstanding:
• military services (primarily to generals and admirals)
• contributions to the protection of the GDR and
• strengthening the national defense of the GDR
To members, units, associations and other bodies (including civil facilities):
• The National People's Army (NVA) on the anniversary of the Army on 1 March of the year.
• The Border Troops of the German Democratic Republic (Grenztruppen - GT) on the anniversary of the GT on 1 December of the year.
• The Civil Defense of the DDR (ZV) the anniversary of the ZD on 11 February.
• The Ministry of State Security (Stasi), on the anniversary of the Stasi, 8 February of the year.
The Order was also presented to members of other institutions of the GDR who did not necessarily have to be involved in an armed organization. It was also presented to foreign military personnel, for example, to Marshal Viktor Georgiyevich Kulikov of the Soviet Union. The order was always presented with an elaborately crafted document along with a one-time cash prize of 5,000 Marks.
East of the National People's Army, Border Troops of the German Democratic Republic,Civil Defense of the DDR, Ministry of State Security, members of other institutions of the GDR, and foreign military personnel.
Status
No longer awarded
Established
17 February 1966
First awarded
1 March 1966 The Scharnhorst Order was worn on the left breast suspended from a pentagonal ribbon in the Russian style. This medal could be issued to and worn several times by a single recipient. General Kessler, for example, received (and would wear) three Scharnhorst Orders. There are three versions of the Scharnhorst Order:
• 1st Version 1966-1972: Produced in 900 gold-plated silver, with 5 rivets on the obverse.
• 2nd Version 1973-1980: Produced in gilt non-ferrous metal, held to the medal with a central rivet on the obverse.
• 3rd Version 1980-1989: Introduction of a patterned smooth back with no rivets, medallion is glued on.
Accurate measurements are difficult because of different versions and use of materials over the years. The sizes, therefore, are based on averages. x1 is included in this listing please see all photos before offerding additional photos can be sent if necessary you will receive the item(s) pictured please ask any and all questions before buying. All items are subject to be shipped in multiple packages and can be canceled at any time, we reserve the rights for the shipping carrier to be chosen at our discretion, no items will be shipped until payment is completed. The medal is a very high quality repIica piece of substantial weight. Payment is due within 3 business days of sale date. We reserve the right to cancel a sale after offerding ends at our discretion of lack of payment, rude buyers, or low response or any other reason. We also may not cancel a order if it has already been packed. International buyers and subject to higher shipping fees. []Any buyer with under fifteen positive response may NOT be permitted to make purchases over 20$ (including shipping) if they do not message me before confirming the purchase[]. Buyer assumes responsibility for the proper use of all items. Yes we can ship to your Hotel Room if that is the address on file. Items will ship to the address of file. Returns are not accepted, A fifty percent restocking fee will be charged for all returned items. Items will be returned at buyers expense ALL items are sold as is, Don't let this deal pass you buy. All items are from a smoke and cat free home. Make sure to check out my other listings!
