German WW2 2nd Class Olympic Games Order For Berlin 1936

~ German WW2 2nd Class Olympic Games Order For Berlin 1936 ~

~ Medal History ~

The German Olympic Decoration (German: Deutsche Olympia-Ehrenzeichen or Deutsches Olympiaehrenzeichen) was a civil decoration of Nazi Germany awarded to administrators of the IV Olympic Winter Games in Garmisch-Partenkirchen and the Games of the XI Olympiad in Berlin 1936. The award was not intended for actual participants in the Olympic Games, but rather in recognition of those who had orchestrated the “behind the scenes” preparations and work for the events.

Several members of the SS, including Reinhard Heydrich, Karl Wolff and Heinrich Himmler were awarded the Olympic Games decoration for providing security during the event. Hermann Fegelein was awarded the decoration for overseeing the preparation of the courses and facilities for the equestrian events. The decoration was presented to Leni Riefenstahl for her work in filming the various sports events. It was also presented in the 2nd Class to Hiroshi Ōshima, the Japanese Ambassador to Nazi Germany.

The German Olympic Decoration was awarded in three classes:

. 1st Class
. 2nd Class
. German Olympic Commemorative Medal

Of the three classes, the First Class was presented as a neck order. A total of 767 were presented. The second class was open to persons who played a significant, but lesser role as to the work which went into the presentation of the games. A total of 3,364 were awarded. The German Olympic Commemorative Medal (German: Deutsche Olympia-Erinnerungsmedaille) was established to recognize service in connection with the preparation work and execution of the game events. The medal was not restricted to German nationals. All classes could be worn miniaturized on a ribbon bar.

~ Dimensions ~

It measures 6.6 cm tall by 5.5 cm wide and weighs 37.3 g.

~ Condition ~

The badge has some loss of enamel to the eagle, around the swastika area and to the central ring. There is loss of gold plate, principally to the reverse. There is no ribbon or presentation box.

ref. GS03484B2  PQCGX5LCTY4G02