What is the meaning of the Iron Cross?
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What is the meaning of the Iron Cross?
Definition of ‘Iron Cross’ 1. a German medal awarded for outstanding bravery or service during wartime. 2. ( lc) Gymnastics. an upright, crosslike position held between the rings, with the arms fully extended laterally and the legs held together and pointed downward.
What is the significance of the German Iron Cross?
From the time of its creation until the end of World War I, 5,719,300 Iron Crosses first and second class were awarded. During World War II, Hitler decreed the Cross could be conferred on Germans and citizens of countries allied with Germany for exceptional bravery and/or leadership in the face of the enemy.
What is the German Iron Cross called?
Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes
The Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (German: Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes), or simply the Knight’s Cross (Ritterkreuz), and its variants, were the highest awards in the military and paramilitary forces of Nazi Germany during World War II.
Who received 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 |
Is the Iron Cross rare?
The award was quite rare, since by this time there were few in service who held the 1870 Iron Cross. In World War II it was also possible for a holder of the 1914 Iron Cross to be awarded a second or higher grade of the 1939 Iron Cross.
When did Germany stop using the Iron Cross?
1945
The Iron Cross still rates as Germany’s most famous military insignia, but its role has been reduced to that of a black and white emblem on the aircraft, tanks and warships of the post-war armed forces. It was dropped as a medal in 1945.
Why do bikers use the Iron Cross?
In the United States, the Iron Cross also became adopted by outlaw bikers, more to signify rebellion or to shock than for a specific political ideology.
Who are some famous recipients of the Iron Cross?
Are German iron crosses magnetic?
Sadly they are out there. Is it magnetic? Not all genuine Iron Crosses are magnetic. Non magnetic versions were often made for the Kriegsmarine, and as cheaper private purchases for field wear.
How can you tell if military medals are real?
You can check by burning a thread to check for flammability or examining the ribbon under a black ultraviolet light. Man-made fabrics will glow brightly; cotton will not. Finally, take a hard look at all aspects of the medal with a loop or magnifying glass. All of the raised markings should be sharply struck.
What does the iron cross tattoo mean?
In the United States, however, the Iron Cross also became one of several Nazi-era symbols adopted by outlaw bikers, more to signify rebellion or to shock than for any white supremacist ideology.
Are there any Knights Cross winners still alive?
Only 27 men were awarded the Diamonds grade of the Knight’s Cross; Hans-Ulrich Rudel was the only recipient of the Knight’s Cross with Golden Oak Leaves, Swords, and Diamonds. The only non-German or Austrian living recipients are Harald Nugiseks and Søren Kam, both former Waffen-SS foreign volunteers.
