Patriotic Order of Merit

The Patriotic Order of Merit (German: Vaterländischer Verdienstorden, or VVO) was a national award granted annually in the German Democratic Republic (GDR). It was founded in 1954 and was awarded to individuals and institutions for outstanding contributions to the state and society in various areas of life.

Classes

 * Ehrenspange.png Honor clasp, in Gold
 * Złoty_Order_Za_Zasługi_dla_Narodu_i_Ojczyzny.png Gold, 1st class
 * Ribbon bars of the Fatherland's Orde of Merit.png Silver, 2nd class
 * Ribbon bars of the Fatherland's Orde of Merit Brons.png Bronze, 3rd class

The award
The official language for the award stipulated it was given "for outstanding merit":
 * "in the struggle of the German and international labor movement and in the fight against fascism,"
 * "in the establishment, consolidation and fortification of the German Democratic Republic,"
 * "in the fight to secure peace and advance the international influence of the German Democratic Republic".

The order was awarded in bronze, silver, gold and gold honor clasp (Ehrenspange) (for exceptional merit). Each level was only awarded once and with the exception of the recipient of the honor clasp, all recipients received a sum of money.

Notable recipients

 * Vasily Chuikov, Marshal of the Soviet Union
 * Berta Daniel
 * Paula Hertwig, 1956
 * Klaus Köste, 1972
 * Katarina Witt, 1984 (Gold) and 1988 (gold honor clasp)
 * Klaus Fuchs