Table of Contents
What does an Iron Cross symbolize?
The Iron Cross symbolizes the courage of the old Prussian warriors, the great victories of the Bismarck era and the valor of the German soldiers of the First World War.
Does the German military still award the Iron Cross?
More than six decades after its end, though, Germany has reintroduced military honors: A politically correct, newly minted version of the Iron Cross – awarded to German soldiers since 1813, but withdrawn after the Second World War – was pinned on the chests of four senior non-commissioned officers yesterday.
Why was the iron cross awarded?
The Iron Cross was awarded for bravery in battle as well as other military contributions in a battlefield environment. The Iron Cross 2nd Class came with a ribbon and the cross itself was worn in one of two different ways: From the second button in the tunic from the first day after award.
Does Germany still issue the Iron Cross?
Adolf Hitler restored the Iron Cross in 1939 as a German decoration (rather than Prussian), and continued the tradition of issuing it in various classes. Legally, it is based on the “Enactment for the re-introduction of the Iron Cross” (Verordnung über die Erneuerung des Eisernen Kreuzes) of 1 September 1939.
Who are some of the famous recipients of the Iron Cross?
Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds
| Number | Name | Date of award |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Werner Mölders | 15 July 1941 |
| 2 | Adolf Galland | 28 January 1942 |
| 3 | Gordon Gollob | 29 August 1942 |
| 4 | Hans-Joachim Marseille | 3 September 1942 |
Why did the German army revive the Iron Cross?
May 17, 2010: The German Army has awarded fourteen American soldiers the revived Iron Cross medal, for risking their lives, on April 2nd, to save eleven German soldiers who had come under heavy fire while searching for roadside bombs. Most of the German troops were wounded, and three died.
Why did a Muslim officer wear a German Iron Cross?
The 25-year-old Muslim officer refused the medal citing the cross’ Christian lineage, but proudly wore the ribbon that came with the commendation. Amazingly, Germany conferred Iron Crosses to two Jews serving in the Finnish military for their conspicuous gallantry in the 1940 Winter War.
What medal has a swastika on it?
Iron Cross. The Iron Cross is a famous German military medal dating back to the 19th century. During the 1930s, the Nazi regime in Germany superimposed a swastika on the traditional medal, turning it into a Nazi symbol.
Did Germany ever give out the Medal of Honor?
While the Germans recently revived their combat action Iron Cross, they have not revived the higher awards (like the Pour le Merit or other Iron Cross medals above the First Class Iron Cross) that were given out in World War I and II for the kind of deeds that the Medal of Honor were meant for.