History

The Order was established in 1942, and was the most important decoration that the Nazi Regime could confer upon an individual for outstanding service to the party and state.

The Order had many unofficial names, including "Great German Order" and the "Highest Order of the Party.”

Another informal name of this Order was the "Hitler Order,” as the Order recipients were personally selected by Adolf Hitler and the reverse featured his signature.

There were only eleven recipients of this Order, seven of which were awarded posthumously, thus garnering the Order the moniker of the "Dead Hero Order."

The only two living recipients to be awarded the Order were Konstantin Hierl on February 24, 1945, and Arthur Axmann on April 28, 1945.

The Order was originally designed by Benno von Arent and featured three grades, the I Class Neck Cross (with laurel leaves and swords), II Class Neck Cross, and III Class Cross (pinback).

Only the I Class Neck Cross (with laurel leaves and swords) and II Class Neck Cross were ever awarded.

There are variations of this medal which feature a different pinback.