History

The NSDAP Long Service Award was instituted on April 2nd, 1939, and conferred upon all members of the NSDAP for longstanding loyalty and devotion to the Führer and the party. The Award was issued in three grades for 10, 15 and 25 years of service. Men and women were both eligible to receive the Award; men usually wore the award on the left breast, while women wore it on a ribbon around the neck. Awards were annually conferred on January 30th, with the last date of eligibility being October 31st of the previous year.

In order to receive the award, service had to be uninterrupted, but exceptions were made for compulsorily military service, service in the Spanish Civil War and service in the Second World War. Service in the following organisations would be counted: Nazi Party, S.A., S.S., National Socialist Motor Corps, National Socialist Flyers Corps, Hitler Youth, League of German Girls, German Youth, Young Girl`s League, National Socialist Factory Cell Organization, and the German Labour Front. Simultaneous service in two of these services did not count for double the time.

The II Class was awarded for 15 years of faithful service.