- Time Period: Interwars Period
- Institution: September 1939
- Country: Germany – Third Reich
The Grand Cross of the Iron Cross (or Großkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes in German) was reinstituted as a German decoration in September 1939. The Grand Cross of the Iron Cross is above the different classes of Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross.
During World War II, only one person received the Grand Cross of the Iron Cross: Hermann Göring.
The original award was destroyed during an air raid in 1943 – after Hitler had deprived Göring of his after feeling betrayed.
The Grand Cross of the Iron Cross Design
The Grand Cross was designed as having an outline in gold. However, this was changed before Göring’s award. He actually had several copies made of his medal, one with platinum edges which he wore. Göring was wearing this version at the time of his surrender in 1945.
The medal was awarded in a red leather case with an embossed gold Reich Eagle. The interior was made in black velvet.
More Variations of the Iron Cross
The Iron Cross, a prestigious German military decoration, has undergone several variations since its inception. For example, the Iron Cross 1813 was instituted during the Napoleonic Wars by King Frederick William III of Prussia, the Iron Cross 1914 was awarded during World War I, it was reinstated by Kaiser Wilhelm II, and the Iron Cross 1939 was revived by Adolf Hitler for World War II, with modifications including a swastika.
The Iron Cross (EK 1914)
The Iron Cross (Eisernes Kreuz or EK) is a military decoration established by King Friedrich Wilhelm III of Prussia in March 1813.
The Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (EK 1939)
The Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross was the highest military and paramilitary award for the forces of Nazi Germany during World War II.
The Star of the Grand Cross of the Iron Cross
The Star of the Grand Cross of the Iron Cross was the highest military decoration of the Kingdom of Prussia and the German Empire.
The Star of the Grand Cross of the Iron Cross (Nazi)
The Star of the Grand Cross of the Iron Cross was the highest military decoration of the Kingdom of Prussia and the German Empire.
The Iron Cross (EK 1813)
The Iron Cross (Eisernes Kreuz) is a military decoration of the Kingdom of Prussia and later the German Empire and Nazi Germany.
The Grand Cross of the Iron Cross
The Grand Cross of the Iron Cross was the highest grade Nazi decoration above the various classes of the Knight’s Cross.
The Iron Cross (EK 1957)
The Iron Cross 1957 was introduced to allow German veterans to wear their WWII decorations in a denazified form.
Find the Iron Cross Medal Online
Further Reading About the Iron Cross
Discover the stories behind the Iron Cross with these compelling books and delve into the rich history and significance of this prestigious military decoration.
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Where the Iron Crosses Grow: The Crimea 1941-44
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Cross of Iron: The Rise and Fall of the German War Machine, 1918-1945
Original price was: $22.99.$11.99Current price is: $11.99. Get it from Amazon -
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The Cross of Iron by Willi Heinrich
Original price was: $7.99.$5.99Current price is: $5.99. Get it from Amazon
