The U-Boat could easily have ripped its way through the destroyer's thin side plates and de Chair was acting to save his ship
or the Order of the National Hero
both lugs intact but bent back)
The case itself dates from around 1912-15
Prussia, Kingdom. A Military Merit Medal, Ii Class, C.1916 GTRexclude The U-Boat could easily have(Militr Ehrenzeichen II. Klasse). Instituted 27 February 1864. (1916 1918 issue). Constructed of zink, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, the obverse with an inscription of KRIEGS VERDIENST (WAR MERIT), within a laurel leaf wreath, the reverse with a central monogram of Kaiser Wilhelm I, unmarked, measuring 25. 51 mm in diameter, weighing 7. 7 grams, loss of silver finish evident, in overall very fine condition.