German Cross in Gold (Deutsches Kreuz in Gold). The German Cross was introduced by Adolf Hitler on 28 September 1941 in two classes, Gold and Silver. The gold class cross was awarded to military personnel for exceptional acts of bravery or achievement in combat, the Silver class was awarded for distinguished acts of service in the war effort. The German Cross was to be worn on the lower right breast of the service tunic or field blouse. This is the light weight version, maker marked with number '20' on the inside of the pin, indicating production by the company 'C.F. Zimmermann' in Pforzheim. All enamel of the cross is intact and showing only some minimal scratches caused by usage. The reverse of the cross has been engraved by the recipient with "1943 Ruszland". The cross is in overall very good, clearly used and worn, condition. Stunning original cross!