Braunschweig, Duchy. A War Merit Cross I Class Republic of While many of the crew

While many of the crew were killed in the action

passing away in 1965)

February 18

Footnote: Walter Fritze was born on August 2

within a stylized belt and buckle bearing a raised inscription of “MERENTI” (“MERIT”)

Braunschweig, Duchy. A War Merit Cross I Class Republic of While many of the crew(Kriegsverdienstkreuz I. Klasse). Instituted 20 March 1918 by Duke Ernst August. (1918 issue). Constructed of bronze, consisting of a Cross Patte, the obverse bearing a central monogram of Duke Ernst August, flanked by oak leaves, topped by a crown, and situated above a date of 1914, the reverse with a barrel hinge and vertical pinback meeting a round wire catch, unmarked, measuring 40. 36 mm (w) x 40. 55 mm (h), weighing 20. 5 grams, an award piece