History

The Upper Silesian Merit Cross was instituted by by Oberleutnant Bergerhoff in June of 1921. It was also designed by him, and manufactured by the companies of HCh. Timm, Berlin and M. Reich, Breslau.

The badge was awarded to members of Bergerhoff's Freikorps "Schwarze Schar" (Black Band) who had shown exceptional bravery. A prerequisite for the badge was the award of the Silesian Eagle I or II Class.

The Upper Silesian Merit Cross was established in I and II Class. It was awarded between June 26 and July 15, 1921. Approximately 30 I Class and 50 II Class crosses were awarded.

The I and II Class crosses are identical except for their methods of attachment to the uniform. While the I Class cross features a pinback, the II Class cross features a ribbon ring at the top.

The cross is enamelled in white with gilded edges. The round centre portion features the gilt inscription "FÜR VERDIENSTE O./S. 1921". "O./S." stands for "Oberschlesien" (Upper Silesia), so that the inscription translates to "For Merit - Upper Silesia - 1921".
Between the cross arms is a green enamelled laurel wreath and two crossed gilt swords.

The II Class cross was worn on a black and white ribbon.