War Merit Cross 2nd Class without Swords (Kriegsverdienst Kreuz 2. Klasse ohne Schwerter). The War Merit Cross was instituted by Adolf Hitler on 18 October 1939 in two classes with both classes issued, with and without swords, for award to military personnel and civilians. The zinc type cross comes with its original short sized ribbon as found. The cross is not visible maker marked. Nice original cross in good used condition!