Patriotic Order of Merit

The Patriotic Order of Merit (German: Vaterländischer Verdienstorden, or VVO) was a national award granted annually in the German Democratic Republic (GDR). It was funded in 1954 and was awarded to individuals and institutions for outstanding merit to the state and society in various areas of life.

The award

The official language for the award stipulated it was given "for outstanding merit":

• "in the struggle of the German and international labor movement and in the fight against fascism,"
• "in the establishment, consolidation and fortification of the German Democratic Republic,"
• "in the fight to secure peace and advance the international influence of the German Democratic Republic".^[1]

The order was awarded in bronze, silver, gold and gold honor clasp (for exceptional merit).^[1] Each level was only awarded once and with the exception of the recipient of the honor clasp, all recipients received a sum of money.

See also

• Orders, decorations, and medals of East Germany

References