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How is this different from the regular Gold Cross?

This award is special because it has a bright red edge around the cross. The regular Gold Cross does not have this border. To get this medal, a soldier must show extreme courage while facing serious danger to their own life. It was added in 2008 to honor those who do more than their normal duty.

Do you have to be in a firefight to receive it?

No, you do not need to be fighting in a battle to win this medal. It is often given to heroes who perform daring rescues or help during very dangerous emergencies. These acts happen during peace missions or hard tasks around the world. It proves that you can be a hero even without a gun in your hand.

Who created this level of the award?

The German Minister of Defence created this honor in 2008. They wanted a better way to reward soldiers who faced high risks for their country. It updated older military medals that started back in 1980. This new grade helps recognize brave deeds that happen during very tough missions.

What symbol is in the center of the cross?

The center of the medal shows the German Federal Eagle. This bird is the main symbol of the German nation and its government. It is surrounded by an oak wreath, which is a classic sign of strength and high honor. These images remind everyone of the pride and duty that soldiers carry.

Can civilians receive it?

This award is meant for the brave men and women who serve in the German military. Sometimes, foreign allies who work with the German army can earn it too. It is very rare for a civilian to get this medal. They would have to show amazing bravery while working alongside the army during a life-threatening event.

How is this different from the regular Gold Cross?

This award is special because it has a bright red edge around the cross. The regular Gold Cross does not have this border. To get this medal, a soldier must show extreme courage while facing serious danger to their own life. It was added in 2008 to honor those who do more than their normal duty.

Do you have to be in a firefight to receive it?

No, you do not need to be fighting in a battle to win this medal. It is often given to heroes who perform daring rescues or help during very dangerous emergencies. These acts happen during peace missions or hard tasks around the world. It proves that you can be a hero even without a gun in your hand.

Who created this level of the award?

The German Minister of Defence created this honor in 2008. They wanted a better way to reward soldiers who faced high risks for their country. It updated older military medals that started back in 1980. This new grade helps recognize brave deeds that happen during very tough missions.

What symbol is in the center of the cross?

The center of the medal shows the German Federal Eagle. This bird is the main symbol of the German nation and its government. It is surrounded by an oak wreath, which is a classic sign of strength and high honor. These images remind everyone of the pride and duty that soldiers carry.

Can civilians receive it?

This award is meant for the brave men and women who serve in the German military. Sometimes, foreign allies who work with the German army can earn it too. It is very rare for a civilian to get this medal. They would have to show amazing bravery while working alongside the army during a life-threatening event.

Home Library West GermanyBundeswehr Cross of Honour in Gold with Special Distinction

Valor decoration

Bundeswehr Cross of Honour in Gold with Special Distinction

A high military honor presented for outstanding deeds performed while facing serious personal danger.

West Germany Established 2008 All servicesPrecedence: Directly after the Cross of Honour for Valour

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for exceptional courage and deeds performed while putting one's own life at great risk.

Eligibility

Members of the German armed forces and foreign military allies.

Branch

All services

Precedence

Directly after the Cross of Honour for Valour

Bundeswehr Cross of Honour in Gold with Special Distinction, Valor decoration, West Germany medal

History

This special grade of the Gold Cross of Honour was created in 2008 alongside the Valour decoration. West German defense leadership wanted a way to honor soldiers who faced life-threatening perils without requiring direct combat bravery.

It expanded the classic military honors that were first started during the Cold War in 1980. The decoration features a red edge around the cross to mark its special status.

Today, it is awarded for brave acts during emergency situations, rescue operations, and dangerous peace deployments around the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

War in AfghanistanKosovo War

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