History

The Selbstschutz (literally "self protection") Battalion May, named after its commander, Hauptmann (Captain) May, was established in 1921 to fight Polish insurgents in Upper Silesia.

In June of 1921, two lieutenants, Fabianek and Maus, instituted an award for the members of the battalion without the knowledge of their commander. Any member of the battalion was eligible if they had served faithfully and commendably. The badge was awarded as I and II Class, however, the distinction in eligibility between the two is unknown.

Hauptmann May, after learning of the award's existence, awarded them personally and signed the award documents.
The award was handed out between June and December of 1921. It was manufactured by the companies of A. Kaiser and M. Reich, both in Breslau.
Approximately 30 I Class and 250 II Class badges were awarded.

The award is in the form of a gilded cross enamelled in black with a white enamelled border. In between the two colours is a thin gilt line. The centre portion is white enamelled shield with a gilt border featuring a black enamelled letter "M" with a gilt border. The 12 o'clock arm features the inscription "O.S." and the 6 o'clock arm the inscription "1921". Both inscriptions are in white enamel with a gilt border.

The only difference between the I and II Class is in the method of attachment to the uniform. The I Class cross features a pinback, while the II Class cross features a ribbon ring at the top.

The II Class ribbon is yellow and white with a black/white/red border on each side.