German Olympic Decoration

The German Olympic Decoration (German: Deutsche Olympia-Ehrenzeichen or Deutsches Olympiaehrenzeichen)[1] was a civil decoration of Nazi Germany awarded to administrators of the IV Olympic Winter Games in Garmisch-Partenkirchen and the Games of the XI Olympiad in Berlin 1936.

The award was not intended for actual participants in the Olympic Games, but rather in recognition of those who had orchestrated the "behind the scenes" preparations and work for the events.

[2] Several members of the SS, including Reinhard Heydrich, Karl Wolff and Heinrich Himmler were awarded the Olympic Games decoration for providing security during the event.

[3] Hermann Fegelein was awarded the decoration for overseeing the preparation of the courses and facilities for the equestrian events.

The second class was open to persons who played a significant, but lesser role as to the work which went into the presentation of the games.

Olympic Decoration insignia from the Nazi period, banned since 1945
De-nazified insignia of the Olympic Decoration: Commemorative Medal, 2nd Class, 1st Class (from 1957)