Iron Cross

The Iron Cross is a military decoration that was created in 1813 by King Frederick William III of Prussia. It was initially awarded for bravery and military merit during the Napoleonic Wars. The Iron Cross became one of the most recognizable and prestigious medals in the German armed forces and was also awarded during both World Wars.

The Iron Cross was a black cross (The core of the award was normally solid iron, painted flat/semi-flat black and then baked to cure the enamel) with white rim (most frames, or rims, were constructed of polished and lacquered 'German silver' an alloy of copper, zinc and nickel, although there some rare exceptions) and it was worn on a ribbon around the neck or on the left side of the uniform. The cross had different variations depending on the era and the level of achievement it recognized.

The Iron Cross was divided into three main series of decorations:

The Iron Cross

• Iron Cross, 2nd class, (Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse, or EKII)
• Iron Cross, 1st class, (Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse, or EKI)

The Knight's Cross

• Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross
• Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves
• Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords
• Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords, and Diamonds
• Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Golden Oak Leaves, Swords, and Diamonds

The Grand Cross

Hermann Göring became the only recipient of the Grand Cross of the Iron Cross during the war awarded to him on 19 July 1940 for his role as the Supreme Commander of the Luftwaffe who led them to victory in the French campaign. The Knight's Cross replaced the Prussian Pour le Mérite or "Blue Max". Hitler did not care for the Pour le Mérite, as it was a Prussian order that could be awarded only to officers.

After World War II, the Iron Cross was no longer used as a military decoration in Germany. However, it remains a recognizable symbol of German military valor and is still used in various forms as a symbol of national identity and pride.