History

The Defence Economy Leader Decoration was established in March of 1939 and was conferred upon industrialists as a visible token of their positions as Defence Economy Leaders (Wehrwirtschaftsführer) working for the Council for the Defence Economy. The Council was established by Hermann Göring on January 31, 1938, and was charged with preparing and carrying out the mobilisation of the German armament industry, as well as directing it during the Second World War. In order to receive the Decoration, an industrialist had to submit a vow of their dedication and loyalty to the National Socialist state. As such, the Badge was both an industrial and political award.

Recipients of the Award include Alfred Krupp and Kurt Tank, designer of the Focke-Wulf 190.