GERMAN WWII SPANISH CROSS NEXT OF KIN MEDAL

GERMAN WWII SPANISH CROSS NEXT OF KIN MEDAL
The Spanish Civil War was a major conflict fought in Spain from 17 July 1936 to 1 April 1939. It began after a military rebellion, led by a group of conservative generals under the authority of Francisco Franco, went against the elected Government of the Second Spanish Republic, at the time under the leadership of President Manuel Azaña.

Franco asked Hitler to provide Junkers aircraft to transport troops. Hitler complied and went beyond by forming the HISMA transport company. This organization used Luftwaffe personnel to transport Spanish troops.

On August of 1936, members of the German Condor Legion arrived in Spain. They brought to bear Fighter aircraft and bombers. By 1937 the aid included flak units, signal groups and marine and intelligence units.

The medal featured here is a WWII German Cross of honor for the relatives of the dead in Spain. Instituted on April 14th 1939.

The award was issued to family members of volunteers who had gone to Spain or Spanish Morocco. to fight and had endured one of the following conditions:

Died as a consequence of wounds received while engaged in combat.
Died as a result of illness or disease directly related to the wounds mentioned above.
Died of an accident or illness while performing his duties in Spain.

The medal itself was in the shape of a cross with each arm sporting a “V” pattern at the tip. A Luftwaffe eagle, early droop tail style, clutching a Swastika is placed between the arms.

The award was issued to individuals for the following criteria:
The fallen soldier was married, the wife, oldest son and daughter were entitled to receive the award.
If the fallen was not married. The individuals who would be eligible to receive the award are: The father, mother, brother and sister.