Instituted on 13 July 1934.
This award, instituted by President Paul von Hindenburg, was created and given to honor those who contributed to the war effort during the First World War. It is also known as the Hindenburg Cross. This was the first award to be instituted by the National Socialist Government.
This award was issued in three versions. The Ehrenkreuz für Frontkämpfer was issued to troops in battle. The Ehrenkreuz für Kriegsteilnehmer was issued to civilians who contributed to the War effort. The Ehrenkreuz fürWitwen und Eltern gefallener Kriegsteilnehmer was awarded to widows and parents of fallen soldiers.
This decoration was awarded on a mass scale. By 15 November 1936, over 8,000,000 had been awarded.
The award came in an envelope of varying colors with the phrase "Treue um Treue" ("Loyality for Loyality"), with Hindenburg's signature.
Requirements for Ehrenkreuz für Frontkämpfer are:
• Participation in combat in the Great War