Croatia, Independent State. An Order Of Merit, I Class Grand Officer Star, Moslem Ladies Version, By Braca Knaus, C.1942 Hold the 10th Infantry Battalion was

the 10th Infantry Battalion was called forward to counterattack the strong German formation advancing through a large gap in the line

reverse illustrating a large fasces

First badge with a three-piece construction

21st Infantry Battalion

Croatia, Independent State. An Order Of Merit, I Class Grand Officer Star, Moslem Ladies Version, By Braca Knaus, C.1942 Hold the 10th Infantry Battalion was(Red za zasluge). Instituted in 1942. In silver with red enamels, mounted to a frosted silver star base, maker marked "BK" (Braa Knaus, Zagreb) and hallmarked with a lobster flanked by the Roman numeral "III" and a "1" on the pin, measuring 74. 5 mm (w) x 75. 3 mm (h), vertical pinback, intact enamels, extremely fine. Footnote: The Order of Merit was instituted on April 10, 1942 and awarded in four grades: Grand Cross, I Class, II Class and III Class,