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The Spanish Cross was instituted on April 14th,
1939, and awarded on June 6th, of the same year, to recognize those German Forces who volunteered for service in the Spanish
Civil War.
Hitler sent his Condor Legion to support General Franco against communism in Spain, and it was believed to
give his troops combat experience for the coming invasion of Europe.
The Cross was worn on the right tunic pocket and
ranked below the German Cross, if awarded.
The Spanish Cross was awarded in three classes, Bronze,
Silver and Gold (there was also a special grade of Gold with Diamonds).
The bronzed and silver class came in two categories, with swords (combatant) and without swords (non-combatant).
The
Gold were awarded only with swords.
To be awarded the Bronze (without swords) cross required:
Three months of service on Spanish soil or waters, no experience of combat required ( 7,869 awarded )
To be awarded the Silver (without swords) cross required:
As bronze but non-combatants who distinguished themselves ( 327 awarded )
The swords required
front line combat, and the rank or action of the individual determined which class was awarded:
The Bronze (with Swords) required any action with the enemy ( 8,462 awarded )
The Silver (with Swords) for more extensive action ( 8,304 awarded )
The Gold (with Swords) for those who displayed exceptional bravery or achievement ( 1,126 awarded )
The Gold with Diamonds was presented to those with the highest achievements or leadership ( 28 awarded )
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