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How long do you have to serve to get this cross?

A soldier must serve for at least twenty years to be eligible for this award. This long career must be marked by excellent, honest, and faithful work. It is a special way for the military to thank someone for their lasting dedication and selfless duty.

When was it first presented?

The award was created in 1980 by a leader named Hans Apel. He started it to celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of the German military. West Germany wanted a new way to reward loyal service that was not tied to medals from the past.

What metal color is this cross?

As the name says, this medal has a shiny gold-colored finish. The design was picked to look important and honorable for the people who earn it. Its bright look makes it one of the most respected awards in the entire military.

Is this a medal for combat only?

No, this medal is not just for winning battles. It is mostly given to honor soldiers who show great leadership and hard work over their long careers. It recognizes service during tense times like the Cold War and through many missions around the world.

Can NATO allies receive this medal?

Yes, soldiers from allied countries can earn this honor if they work closely with the German military. This program helps build strong friendships and trust between different nations. It is a symbol of respect for partners who serve together to keep the world safe.

How long do you have to serve to get this cross?

A soldier must serve for at least twenty years to be eligible for this award. This long career must be marked by excellent, honest, and faithful work. It is a special way for the military to thank someone for their lasting dedication and selfless duty.

When was it first presented?

The award was created in 1980 by a leader named Hans Apel. He started it to celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of the German military. West Germany wanted a new way to reward loyal service that was not tied to medals from the past.

What metal color is this cross?

As the name says, this medal has a shiny gold-colored finish. The design was picked to look important and honorable for the people who earn it. Its bright look makes it one of the most respected awards in the entire military.

Is this a medal for combat only?

No, this medal is not just for winning battles. It is mostly given to honor soldiers who show great leadership and hard work over their long careers. It recognizes service during tense times like the Cold War and through many missions around the world.

Can NATO allies receive this medal?

Yes, soldiers from allied countries can earn this honor if they work closely with the German military. This program helps build strong friendships and trust between different nations. It is a symbol of respect for partners who serve together to keep the world safe.

Home Library West GermanyBundeswehr Cross of Honour in Gold

Distinguished service decoration

Bundeswehr Cross of Honour in Gold

A prestigious award honoring at least twenty years of exemplary and faithful military service.

West Germany Established 1980 All servicesPrecedence: Directly after the Cross of Honour in Gold with Special Distinction

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for at least twenty years of exemplary and faithfully executed military service, or for outstanding achievements.

Eligibility

Service members of the German armed forces and selected allied military personnel.

Branch

All services

Precedence

Directly after the Cross of Honour in Gold with Special Distinction

Bundeswehr Cross of Honour in Gold, Distinguished service decoration, West Germany medal

History

Defence Minister Hans Apel introduced the Badge of Honour system in 1980 to celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of the military. West Germany wanted to reward loyal service to democracy without using old pre-1945 medals.

The Gold Cross became the premier award for long-serving, highly dedicated officers and enlisted personnel. It established a standard of leadership and selfless duty during the tensions of the Cold War.

Over the decades, it has remained one of the most respected career honours in the military for both domestic and foreign duty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

Cold War War in Afghanistan

Veterans Who Received This Award

Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Daniel Seibert, including Bundeswehr Combat Action Medal, Bundeswehr Foreign Duty Medal, Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, Bundeswehr Medal of Honour, Bundeswehr Cross of Honour in Bronze, Bundeswehr Cross of Honour in Silver, Bundeswehr Cross of Honour in Gold, Bundeswehr Cross of Honour in Gold with Special Distinction, Bundeswehr Cross of Honour for Valour, shown against a light West Germany flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

Afghanistan

Bundeswehr Combat Action Medal Bundeswehr Foreign Duty Medal Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany+6

Daniel Seibert

Who Was Daniel Seibert?

A highly decorated Bundeswehr soldier recognized for bravery in Afghanistan.

West Germany2011-06-02

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Sources

Back to West Germany