Vaterländischer Verdienstorden

The Vaterländischer Verdienstorden was instituted on April 21st, 1954 in the Deutschen Demokratischen Republik (GDR). It could be awarded to persons or institutions for merit achieved in the eyes of the government of the GDR and her people. The decoration became obsolete at the reunification of Wets- and East Germany.

Formally is could be awarded for merit:
- in battle for the German workers movement and in battle against Fascism,
- for the building, creation and strengthening as wel as the protection for the Deutschen Demokratischen Republik,
- in battle for the defence of peace as well as the international strengthening of the Deutschen Demokratischen Republik.

The decoration could be awarded in three grades, Bronze, Silver and Gold and there was a Honor Clasp for special merit. Each class could only once be awarded to a person or institution.