Political decorations of the Nazi Party were medals and awards issued by the National Socialist German Workers Party between 1920 and 1945. Political awards were authorized for wear on any paramilitary uniform of Nazi Germany, as well as civilian attire, but were generally frowned upon for display on active duty military uniforms of the Wehrmacht. The Waffen-SS freely wore both political awards and military decorations on their uniforms. Civil decorations were considered the lowest order of medals, after military decorations and political decorations of the Nazi Party. Civil decorations were authorized for display on civilian clothing and paramilitary uniforms of the Nazi Party; however, their wear was often prohibited on active duty military uniforms of the Wehrmacht; the notable exception to this were sports badges, which were granted the same status as military qualification awards.
Political decorations
The various degrees of Nazi Party decorations were as follows:
German Order
This was the highest award that the Nazi Party could bestow on an individual. Adolf Hitler regarded this award as his personal decoration to be bestowed only upon those whose services to the state, party, and the people, he deemed worthy. There were eleven confirmed recipients of this award between 1942 and 1945.
The first 100,000 members who had joined and had uninterrupted service in the Nazi Party were given the right to wear the Golden Party Badge, shown above. Those badges had the recipient's membership number on the back. Other Golden Party Badges were awarded at the discretion of Hitler to certain members of the party who merited special attention. An identical badge was awarded each year on 30 January to persons who had shown outstanding service to the Party or State.
Blood Order medal
The Blood Order, officially known as the "Decoration in Memory of 9 November 1923", was one of the most prestigious decorations in the Nazi Party. During March 1934, Hitler authorized the Blood Order to commemorate the 9 November 1923 coup attempt of the NSDAP.
NSDAP Long Service Award: Given in three grades; awarded for 10, 15, and 25 years of service
Honour Chevron for the Old Guard: Designated those who joined the Party before Hitler became Chancellor. It was worn on the right sleeve.
The leaders of Nazi political districts were empowered to bestow Gau Badges for a variety of services rendered to the localpolitical organization. The badges were issued in Silver and Gold with some issuance in Bronze. They were rarely issued in Gold with Diamonds. In November 1936, Hitler gave new "orders" as to the "Orders and Awards" of the Nazi Party to be bestowed. The top NSDAP awards are listed in this order: 1. Coburg Badge; 2. Nuremberg Party Day Badge of 1929; 3. Brunswick Rally Badge ; 4. Golden Party Badge; 5. The Blood Order; followed by the Gau badges and the Golden HJ Badge.
All German Eagle decorations were awarded both with and without swords and could be upgraded to a gold version and also gold with diamonds. The German Eagle was intended as an award for foreigners while the Special Grade was awarded to Germans.
