English Translation

l≤ Berlin, December 1939 The Chief of Security Police and SD Office I / I 1l13 Pae./Rrd. =.d.dd. L.1412. Betr.: Ceremony of the Iron Cross to members of the Reichsssicherheitshauptamt As recognition for a successful intelligence action of outstanding political importance conducted under the use of life, the leader, on the proposal of the Imperial Leader, has on 12.11.1939 6 4-leader of the imperial security chief office with the Iron cross I. and II. Class as well as l0 i-leader and underleader with the Iron Cross II. class personally awarded. This first award of the Iron Cross to I-members for the execution of a mission of intelligence means not only recognition for the determined commitment and courageous behaviour of the individual, but also recognition of the importance and value of the activity of intelligence, which proves that the mission in the intelligence service, as the defence squad considers it to be an honorary service, is in no way inferior to the service in the fighting force. All subordinate departments are to be informed of this. It is expected that these awards, at which all members of security - 2 - $\r}$