This award was created by Adolf Hitler in October 1939 as a successor to the non-combatant Iron Cross which was used in earlier wars (similar medal but with a different ribbon). The award was graded in the same manner as the Iron Cross. The award had two variants: with swords given to soldiers for exceptional service "not in direct connection with combat", and without swords given to civilians for meritorious service in "furtherance of the war effort". 
 
A beautiful original WWII German War Merit Cross 2nd Class (w/o Swords) here, except it's original suspension ring and ribbon are missing! Good for display, or if you want a very controversial paperweight.