Commemorative Medal of 9 November 1923

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File:Vorläufer des Blutordens.png
Only a few examples of this commemorative badge or precursor model (Stoßtrupp-Abzeichen) from 9 November 1933 are known. As of 11 February 1934 (Erlaß über Trageerlaubnis und -weise vom 11. Februar 1934), it was forbidden to wear this model.

The Commemorative Medal of 9 November 1923 () or Medal of Honor of 9 November 1923 (), unofficially also known as the "Blood Order" () to commemorate the blood that was shed, was one of the most prestigious decorations of the NSDAP.

History

File:Commemorative Medal of 9 November 1923.png
At least 16 German women received this high award for their heroism and sacrifice.
File:Commemorative Medal of 9 November 1923 (ribbon).png
Ribbon

Instituted in March 1934, the medal is solid silver, with the obverse bearing a depiction of an eagle with a wreath in its talons, with the date 9.Nov. within the wreath and the inscription München 1923-1933 to the right. The reverse bears a picture of the Feldherrnhalle in Munich (where the coup ended in defeat), a swastika and the inscription: UND IHR HABT DOCH GESIEGT ("...and you were victorious after all").

The first issue of the decoration, struck in 99 % pure silver, was awarded to 1,500 participants in the March to the Feldherrnhalle, who had also been members of the party or one of its formations before January 1932 (continuous service), or had been cadets of the Reichswehr Infantry School in Munich (Infanterieschule München), who marched in support of Erich Ludendorff. All medals were numbered (except Adolf Hitler's and Hermann Göring's) and awarding was done very carefully.

In May 1938, to the dismay of the putsch participants, the award was extended to persons who had (a) served time in prison for Nazi activities before 1933, (b) received a death sentence which was later commuted to life imprisonment for NSDAP activities before 1933, or (c) been severely wounded in the service of the Party before 1933; subsequently it was further extended to members of the Austrian NSDAP who had participated in the 1934 February Uprising or July Putsch, or who had received significant prison time or injuries for National Socialist activities. It could also be bestowed on certain other individuals at the discretion of Adolf Hitler, the last recipient being Reinhard Heydrich (posthumous). These subsequent medals were struck in 80 % silver with serial numbers above 1,500 and did not carry the maker's name (J. FUESS MÜNCHEN) as the Type I medals did. If a holder of this medal left the party, the medal would have to be relinquished. In total 16 women received the award, two from the 'Altreich' (Eleonore Baur and Emma Schneider) and 14 from Austria. Given the number of original marchers in the putsch, the number of awards given under the 1938 extensions (436), and the awards for outstanding service under those same extensions, the total number of recipients numbered fewer than 6,000.[1]

Award criteria

  • Partaken in the Munich Putsch
  • Served time in prison for National Socialist activities before 1933
  • Received a death sentence, which was later commuted to life imprisonment, for National Socialist activities before 1933
  • Had been severely wounded in the service of the NSDAP before 1933
  • Members of the Austrian NSDAP, who had participated in the 1934 February and July Uprising (Juli-Erhebung)

How to wear

Unlike other medals, the ribbon was worn on the right breast of the uniform tunic in the form of a rosette. Although the first few medals, for example for Adolf Hitler, Ernst Röhm, Rudolf Hess, Heinrich Himmler and Emil Maurice, were handcrafted pieces of art to be worn as a pinned-on badge like the Iron Cross, 1st Class. Due to the fact, that the reciepients were mostly highly decorated WWI veterans and that their left side was full of war decorationes, the medal was transferred to the right side worn on a ribbon, the medal mostly tucked away in the right breast pocket.

Selected Recipients

File:Bundesarchiv Bild 146-1980-073-19A, Emil Maurice.jpg
SS-Oberführer Emil Maurice wearing the medal

See also

External links

In German

References

  1. ↑ Blood Order, military-history.fandom.com
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