What is 10 Second War Stories?

10 Second War Stories brings military history to life through stories, veteran profile, force profiles, and equipment guides across all nations and conflicts.

How many years of service are needed for this award?

A soldier must serve for at least ten years to qualify for this medal. During this long time, they must prove they are hardworking and show great skill in their duties. This award celebrates their loyalty and the excellent work they have done for the German military over a full decade.

What does the ribbon look like?

The ribbon has a simple and bold design. It features a black center with wide red edges on both sides. Thin gold lines run along the ribbon to make it stand out and look special on a uniform.

Who established this medal?

A man named Hans Apel created this award in 1980. He was the Minister of Defence for West Germany at the time. He wanted to reward soldiers who were loyal and did their jobs well while keeping the country safe during the Cold War.

Are civilian workers eligible?

Yes, people who work for the defense office can earn this medal even if they are not soldiers. This includes civilian staff members who help the military with important tasks every day. The award can also be given to military friends from other countries who work closely with the German armed forces.

Is it worn on standard uniforms?

Soldiers wear this award on their formal uniforms during special times. On a regular day, they might wear a small ribbon bar on their chest instead of the metal cross. This shows others that they have earned the honor while keeping their daily uniform neat.

How many years of service are needed for this award?

A soldier must serve for at least ten years to qualify for this medal. During this long time, they must prove they are hardworking and show great skill in their duties. This award celebrates their loyalty and the excellent work they have done for the German military over a full decade.

What does the ribbon look like?

The ribbon has a simple and bold design. It features a black center with wide red edges on both sides. Thin gold lines run along the ribbon to make it stand out and look special on a uniform.

Who established this medal?

A man named Hans Apel created this award in 1980. He was the Minister of Defence for West Germany at the time. He wanted to reward soldiers who were loyal and did their jobs well while keeping the country safe during the Cold War.

Are civilian workers eligible?

Yes, people who work for the defense office can earn this medal even if they are not soldiers. This includes civilian staff members who help the military with important tasks every day. The award can also be given to military friends from other countries who work closely with the German armed forces.

Is it worn on standard uniforms?

Soldiers wear this award on their formal uniforms during special times. On a regular day, they might wear a small ribbon bar on their chest instead of the metal cross. This shows others that they have earned the honor while keeping their daily uniform neat.

Home Library West GermanyBundeswehr Cross of Honour in Silver

Distinguished service decoration

Bundeswehr Cross of Honour in Silver

A military decoration given to soldiers who have served with great merit for at least ten years.

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

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for ten years of exemplary, faithful service or for extraordinary military achievements.

Eligibility

German armed forces personnel, civilian defense employees, and foreign military allies.

Branch

All services

Precedence

Directly after the Cross of Honour in Silver with Special Distinction

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

History

Minister Hans Apel created this decoration in 1980 as the middle grade of the original Bundeswehr honors system. It was designed to recognize mid-career leaders who demonstrated exceptional dedication to their democratic defense duties.

During the Cold War, it served as an important morale booster for troops guarding NATO borders. Unlike old military regimes, the new system focused on democratic civic duty and professional competence.

In 2008, an additional variant with a red rim was added for deeds of bravery, while the standard silver cross continues to celebrate ten years of outstanding service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

Cold WarKosovo 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

Read Story

Sources

Back to West Germany