Hungary

[Richard Gordon]

Supplied by Hunyadi

[hunyadi]

The Fire Cross was instituted on November 24th 1941 by the Horthy government to recognise the service of its soldiers and related uniformed services during the Second World War. The cross was awarded in three grades. The first grade was the cross with swords and wreath (as seen above) the second grade was with wreath and the third grade was without wreath or swords.

In order to be awarded the first grade one had to: Be at the front lines in direct fire of the enemy for 12 weeks, or be wounded during actual combat, or be killed during action (posthumious award came with a black ribbon and was awarded to the next of kin)

For the second grade one had to be at the front but not in direct enemy fire for 6 months, but one could also be awarded this grade for being wounded in such a capacity (IE an airstrike on HQ - but this would not get you one with swords!) Or for being killed in a similar action while in the rear position (partisan activity also would count)

For the third class the wording is rahter vague and only stipulated that it woudl be awarded to individauls who were serving withing the borders of Hungary or those who were being mobilized. Without a stipulated time period this class is the most rare and was hardly ever produced or awarded.

On the obverse of the cross at the lower arm is the award year and on most examples one will find the institution date of 1941 stamped into the center of the cross. Some manufacturers of the cross omitted this design requirement.

For the first grade one will find the years 1941, 42, and 43. Though the Horthy governemnt was still in power for most of 1944 - the 1944 examples were never produced.

For the second grade there were several "retro" awards as examples can be found with the dates of 1938 (for Hungary's aquizition of the northern territories) and 1940 for the return of Transylvania. Examples also come in 1941,42 and 43.

The third grade only comes with the dates of 1941,42 and 43.

For each award that was bestowed for wounds received in battle a thin 5mm aluminum strip would be applied to the ribbon and the ribbon bar. The above example displays three wound strips - but there is also the tradition of adding a strip for additional awards. In the above example it is seen on the ribbon bar the addtion of a miniature device signifying an additional award. This mini device is then flanked by two 5mm wide aluminum strips indicating two wounds (confusing eh?)

Also if the recipient was wounded enough to warrant discharge from the military for disabling wounds the individual could then attach a "HR" badge to the ribbon (Hadirokkant - war disabled) The Hadirokkant was an organization that was founded by disabled vets from WW1 in the 1930's.

[hunyadi]

A rather rare and elusive award of the Hungarian Fire Cross in any class in the Posthumious Next of Kin award. Though the only difference from the regular award is a black ribbon - real ribbons with the period construction and textile qualities hardly ever appear. I was luck enough to find this original example of a 1942 awarded piece for a front line soldier.

[hunyadi]

the reverse of the same medal

[cimbineus]

Hello Gents,

Here is the contemporary Hungarian Wound Medal.

Regards,

cimbineus

[cimbineus]

... and a closer look...