The Iron Cross (EK 1914)

Established by King Friedrich Wilhelm III of Prussia in March 1813, the Iron Cross (also called Eisernes Kreuz or EK) is a military decoration that is typically given to members of the armed forces or civilians for carrying out military duties. 

The first recipient of this award to be given posthumously was Friedrich's late wife, Queen Louise. During the Franco-Prussian War (EK 1870), World War I (EK 1914), and World War II (EK 1939, when it was reintroduced with a swastika added in the centre), the recommissioned medal was given out. 

At the beginning of World War I, on August 5, 1914, Emperor Wilhelm II reauthorized the Iron Cross. Senior generals in the Prussian or (later) German Armies were the target audience for the Grand Cross. Regardless of rank, the Iron Cross 1st Class and Iron Cross 2nd Class were given out. 

The Iron Cross 1914 Design

The Teutonic Order's cross pattée, which knights occasionally used starting in the 13th century, is the inspiration for the cross symbol's black design with a white or silver outline. 

The Prussian colours were represented by the black ribbon with two thin white bands. Like the original 1813 version, the Iron Cross 1st Class was worn on the left side of the recipient's uniform and used a pin or screw posts on the back of the medal. A neck ribbon held the Grand Cross, while a ribbon on the chest held the 2nd Class. 

About 218,000 EKIs, 5,196,000 EKIIs, and 13,000 non-combatant EKIIs were granted during World War I. 

What's the Meaning of The Iron Cross?

For the German armed forces, other German military personnel, and the country at large, the Iron Cross was a highly symbolic object. 

As a potent symbol of pride in the country and military might, it stood for courage, selflessness, and devotion to the Fatherland. 

The red Fokker Dr1 of Manfred von Richthofen on the ground. 

1 German field marshal Erwin Rommel was awarded the Iron Cross for his outstanding bravery and leadership in a number of conflicts, most notably the Argonne Forest and Caporetto. 

2 The "Red Baron," a German fighter pilot, was Manfred von Richthofen: Richthofen, also known as the "Red Baron," received the Iron Cross in recognition of his outstanding accomplishments as a fighter pilot, which included 80 aerial victories. 

3 German military officer and eventual president Paul von Hindenburg won the Iron Cross for his strategic genius during the Battle of Tannenberg, where he led his country to a resounding victory over Russian forces. 

4 German military leader and politician Hermann Göring was awarded the Iron Cross for his leadership of Jagdgeschwader 1 and his accomplishments in aerial combat as a fighter pilot, which included multiple successful engagements. 

5 German author and soldier Ernst Jünger received the Iron Cross for his bravery and tenacity as an infantry officer, which is especially evident in his memoir "Storm of Steel," which describes his experiences on the front lines. 

6 German fighter pilot Max Immelmann was awarded the Iron Cross for his innovative aerial combat strategies and his accomplishments as a fighter ace, which included 15 confirmed kills. 

7 Erich Ludendorff was a German politician and general who won the Iron Cross for his strategic planning and execution during the Spring Offensive, among other battles. 

8 German chemist and Nobel laureate Fritz Haber was awarded the Iron Cross for his contributions to the war effort, particularly the creation of chemical weapons that were employed in the fighting. 

9 German fighter pilot Oswald Boelcke won the Iron Cross for his exceptional fighter flying abilities and for creating air combat strategies that are now commonplace. 

10 German field marshal August von Mackensen was awarded the Iron Cross for his outstanding work as a field marshal who oversaw victorious campaigns on the Eastern Front. 

More Variations of the Iron Cross

Since its creation, the Iron Cross, a distinguished German military decoration, has undergone numerous modifications. For instance, King Frederick William III of Prussia established the Iron Cross in 1813 during the Napoleonic Wars, Kaiser Wilhelm II restored it after it was awarded during World War I, and Adolf Hitler brought it back for World War II in 1939 with a swastika among other changes. 

SKU Number: MMCM-DE-EK-1914-01*