German eagle order criteria

[Pete A]

Could somebody tell if there was any rank/position requirements for the different degrees of DOA (both models)? Or was it all just case sensitive?

Thanks,

Pete

[Christophe]

Pete,

Here is what I have found about your question :

The Order of the German Eagle was first not intended to be awarded to German nationals, even if exceptions have been made.

From 1937 to 1944, various changes in the grading of the medals occured for both models (with and without swords).

One interesting source about the requirements for the different degrees is the book of Kurt-G. Klietmann : "Auszeichnungen des Deutschen Reiches - 1936-1945", published by Motorbuch Verlag, Stuttgart (2nd edition, 2004).

In this book (page 10), it is said that on 7 march 1944, a decree of the High Command of the Wehrmacht fixed the rank and position requirements for the different degrees of the Order :

Grosskreuz (Grand Cross)

Generalfeldmarschall

Grossadmiral

Generaloberst

Generaladmiral

Erste Klasse (1st Class)

Kommandierender General

Admiral

Zweite Klasse (2nd Class)

Generalleutnant

Vizeadmiral

Generalmajor

Konteradmiral

Dritte Klasse (3rd Class)

Oberst

Kapitaen zu see

Oberstleutnant

Fregattenkapitaen

Vierte Klasse (4th Class)

Major

Korvettenkapitaen

F?nfte Klasse (5th Class)

Hauptmann

Rittmeister

Kapitaenleutnant

Oberleutnant

Leutnant

Silberne Verdienstmedaille (Silver Medal of Merit)

Unteroffiziere

Bronzene Verdienstmedaille (Bronze Medal of Merit)

Mannschaften

Hope this helps.

Cheers.

Ch.

[Peter J]

Christophe, that's a very informative summary. One minor question, apart from Foreign Minister Ribbentrop, did any other German national recieve the DAO?

KR

Peter

[Christophe]

Thanks Peter.

Konstantin von Neurath, was given a "special class" of the order on 20 April 1939. He was the first German national to recieve it.

Except Neurath and Ribbentrop, I am not aware of other German nationals having been awarded this order.

Ch.

[Pete A]

Thanks Christophe!

Didn't see this until now, but I had almost given up with this one. Just what I was looking for.

Pete

[Christophe]

Hi Pete,

You're welcome. Please, come as often as you can.

Cheers.

Ch.