These honours and awards were introduced in 1980 on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Bundeswehr by then Minister of Defence Hans Apel[1] and subsequently approved by President of the Federal Republic Karl Carstens.

The decoration is awarded by the Federal Minister of Defence as a "visible commendation for loyal service and exemplary execution of duties".

On July 6 2009, Chancellor Angela Merkel awarded the highest grade of the Ehrenkreuz der Bundeswehr (Cross of Honour) to four troopers for "valor beyond the call of duty" performed in Afghanistan on October 20, 2008.

The Honour Medal is round, shows a German eagle on a Cross pattée surrounded by a wreath of oak leaves.

Sergeants Berges, Dietzen, Lukács, and Geist rushed to their aid and were eventually able to rescue two German soldiers and one child at the risk of their lives.

The combined forces - still greatly outnumbered - managed to fend off the attackers in a fight that partly developed into a close quarters combat.

Knoska charged into incoming fire to rescue the immobilised and helpless soldier, and did not even give in when a bullet hit his helmet.

[10] for conspicuous gallantry in combat on April 15, 2010 In the course of Operation Taohid II, an ISAF offensive against insurgent forces in Baghlan province, a German Mowag Eagle armored vehicle was hit by an IED.

Captain Klötzner gathered his troops and commanded the rescue under enemy fire, bringing back the injured soldiers to safety.

His actions, described as particularly dauntless and courageous, were crucial to keeping control of the outpost and averting a possible threat to coalition efforts in the entire province.

[12] for exemplary fulfillment of the soldier's duty on June 13, 1999 for valor in combat on April 2, 2010 during the Good Friday Battle The U.S. MEDEVAC crewmen were honoured with the Gold Cross of Honour for Outstanding Deeds for risking their lives to come to the rescue of German soldiers, who were ambushed by as many as 200 Taliban fighters during a patrol north of the city of Kunduz on April 2.

for an outstanding contribution to international partnership and cooperation Under Shank’s leadership, NATO-integrated air and missile defense within Germany and Europe were strengthened, culminating in a combined exercise.