This item is part of A Lifelong Collection Dedicated to the Wartime Awards & Decorations of the Independent State of Croatia. Click Here to view all items in this collection.
(Red za zasluge). Instituted in 1942. Three-piece construction, in silver with red enamels, measuring 25.3 mm (w) x 35 mm (h) inclusive of its integral suspension, intact enamels, obverse with green oxidation evident around the centrepiece and light wear on the "U", on its original bow-tied ribbon, near extremely fine. Accompanied by a Photograph of a Woman walking beside a Moslem Soldier (in black and white, semi-gloss finish, postcard style backer, numbered "13232" in pencil on the reverse, with scalloped edges, measuring 85 mm (w) x 135 mm (h), extremely fine).
Footnote: The Order of Merit was instituted on April 10, 1942 and awarded in four grades: Grand Cross, I Class, II Class and III Class, with separate insignia for Christian and Moslem recipients.

