History

The Selbstschutz (literally "self protection") Battalion Lublinitz fought against Polish insurgents in Upper Silesia in May and June of 1921.

Either in May or June, the unit's leader, Oberleutnant Genz, designed and instituted the Lublinitz Merit Cross. It is modeled after the Bavarian Order of Merit, because Genz was of Bavarian origins and had served in the Bavarian army.

The award was instituted in two classes. The I Class award was given for merit and bravery, the II Class for merit. A prerequisite for either class was that the recipient had been awarded the Silesian Eagle I Class.

The award was manufactured by P. Meybauer, Berlin. It was awarded until December 21, 1921. Approximately 50 I Class and 100 II Class awards were given out.

The I Class award is in the form of a gilded cross with dark blue enamel and gilt stylised flames in between the cross arms. The round centre portion is enamelled in white and features a gilt letter "L". The award features a pinback.

The II Class award is of similar design, but lacking the flames. Some II Class awards are silvered, others in gilt. They feature a ribbon ring at the top. The ribbon is yellow with two light blue stripes.