Peru, Republic. An Order Of Merit For Distinguished Service, I Class Grand Cross Star, C.1960 Newly Listed when a German high-explosive shell

when a German high-explosive shell landed in front of his dugout just as he had emerged

as the third button has been lost to time

and of different style of manufacture then this cross

A matching set of Waffen-SS Panzer Unterscharführer shoulder straps

Peru, Republic. An Order Of Merit For Distinguished Service, I Class Grand Cross Star, C.1960 Newly Listed when a German high-explosive shell(Orden al Mrito por Servicios Distinguidos). Instituted in 1950. Four piece construction, insignia in silver gilt with red and white enamels, mounted to a silver gilt base, maker marked "ZULOETA S. A. LIMA PERU" on the reverse cartouche, measuring 74 mm (w) x 82 mm (h), vertical pinback, intact enamels, extremely fine. Footnote: The Order of Merit for Distinguished Service was instituted on July 18, 1950 and is awarded for distinguished services to