History

The Baltic Cross was founded at an unknown date prior to July 7, 1919 by the Baltic National Committee (Baltische Nationalausschuß) to commemorate the fight for Baltic liberation against Bolshevik forces from 1918 to 1919.

The cross was conferred upon Baltic militia personnel and members of German volunteer units who served in the Baltic area for a minimum of three months during the period from 1918 to 1919.

The cross was officially recognized as a decoration of the German Reich on May 16, 1933.

There were approximately 22,000 crosses awarded.

Due to the high number and long period of availability of the award, many different variants, usually dependent on the manufacturer, can be encountered.
In general, the award is in the form of a cross made of iron with a smaller gilt cross on it that features a lily at the end of each cross arm.

The Baltic Cross was never worn on a ribbon bar, even though a ribbon was awarded with it. There is also no II Class cross. This is an invention of misinformed militaria dealers and collectors.