Audio Description

This exhibit is a Commander’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany (Großes Verdienstkreuz des Verdienstordens der Bundesrepublik Deutschland, Komtur). It is lent by Margaret Farmer Planton. 

A gold-framed shadow box contains an official document in German, signed by the President of Germany, and embossed with a seal. On top of the document hangs a red ribbon with gold fringes on which hangs an metal cross; the arms, of equal length are decorated with a field with red enamel. At the crosses center is a gold circle with the imperial eagle in relief.

Label Copy

This exhibit is a Commander’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany (Großes Verdienstkreuz des Verdienstordens der Bundesrepublik Deutschland, Komtur). It is lent by Margaret Farmer Planton.

The Order of Merit is the highest tribute the Federal Republic of Germany can pay to individuals for services to the nation. As a foreign citizen, Walter Farmer had to be nominated by the German Minister of Foreign Affairs. His nomination came about through the advocacy of several Cincinnatians who recognized his singular contributions as a Monuments Man and advocate for art on behalf of all nations in the months following World War II. The Commander’s Cross was awarded to Walter Farmer in 1995 by President Roman Herzog, the first president to be elected in reunified Germany. It was presented to Farmer by Minister of Foreign Affairs Klaus Krinkel at a ceremony in Bonn on February 9, 1996.

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