Frederickscross

The Frederickcross (German: "Friedrich Kreuz or Friedrich-Kreuz") was instituted in 1914 by the ruling Duke of Anhalt, Frederick II of Anhalt as a decoration not unlike the Iron Cross for merit in time of war.

There are three versions of the Frederickcross


 * A bronze cross on a green ribbon with red borders for combatants.
 * A bronze cross on a green ribbon with white borders for non-combatants.
 * A cross as a brooch (in German a "steckkreuz") that was worn without a ribbon.

This cross pattée bore a crown on the upper arm and the date "1914" on the lower arm. In the central medallion is the monogram of the duke, two intertwined "F"'s. The reverse is flat but the central medallion bears the text "Für Verdienst" (For Merit")

In 1918 the Anhalt monarchy fell and the decoration was abolished.

William II of Germany and Fieldmarshall Paul von Hindenburg wore this cross.

Recipients

 * Oswald Boelcke
 * Felix Graf von Bothmer
 * Franz Breithaupt
 * Leopold Bürkner
 * Gerhard Conrad (pilot)
 * Karl Dönitz
 * Friedrich II, Duke of Anhalt
 * Paul Hausser
 * Paul von Hindenburg
 * Hans-Valentin Hube
 * Oswald Lutz
 * Friedrich von Rabenau
 * Rupprecht, Crown Prince of Bavaria
 * Wilhelm II, German Emperor