German National Order For Art & Science

Through statutes of 30 January 1937, the German National Order for Art and Science (German: Der Deutscher Nationalorden für Kunst und Wissenschaft) was an award created by Adolf Hitler as a replacement for the Nobel Prize (he had forbidden Germans to accept the latter award in 1936 after an anti-Nazi German writer, Carl von Ossietzky, was awarded the 1935 Nobel Peace Prize). The prize was to be awarded each year to three outstanding German citizens who would receive 100,000 Reichsmarks which could be equally divided. Along with the prize money the recipient also received a certificate with the Order.

The Order, a round four pointed platinum star, with four gold National Eagles attached was designed by sculptor Müller-Erfurt, Berlin. It was to be worn on the left breast. In the centre is a medallion with a red enameled centre with the gold head of Pallas Athene. On an ivory coloured enameled background in gold letters was the inscription FÜR KUNST UND WISSENSCHAFT (For Art and Science). This was surrounded by diamonds set in a gold border.

The total number of National Prizes awarded between 1937 and 1939 was nine, making it the rarest award given in Nazi Germany. Due to the outbreak of the Second World War in Europe, no further awards were made.

RECIPIENTS:

• Professor August Bier
• Dr. Wilhelm Filchner
• Professor Dr. Ernst Heinkel
• Professor Willi Messerschmitt
• Professor Dr. Ferdinand Porsche
• Alfred Rosenberg
• Dr. Ferdinand Sauerbruch
• Dr. Fritz Todt
• Professor Luwig Toost