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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.

Time Period: World War I
Institution: March 1813 (Iron Cross EK 1813)
Country: Germany

The Iron Cross (also known as Eisernes Kreuz or EK) is a military decoration established by King Friedrich Wilhelm III of Prussia in March 1813 normally awarded to military or to civilians for performing military functions.

Friedrich’s late wife Queen Louise was the first person to receive (posthumously) this award. The recommissioned medal was awarded during the Franco-Prussian War (EK 1870), World War I (EK 1914), and World War II (EK 1939, re-introduced with a swastika added in the center).

Emperor Wilhelm II reauthorized the Iron Cross on 5 August 1914, at the start of World War I. The Grand Cross was intended for senior generals of the Prussian or (later) the German Army. The Iron Cross 1st Class and the Iron Cross 2nd Class were awarded without regard to rank. 

The Iron Cross 1914 Design

The design of the cross symbol is black with a white or silver outline, a derivation from the cross pattée of the Teutonic Order, which was sometimes used from the 13th century by knights.

The ribbon was black with two thin white bands, the colors of Prussia. The Iron Cross 1st Class employed a pin or screw posts on the back of the medal and was worn on the left side of the recipient’s uniform, like the original 1813 version. The Grand Cross was suspended from a neck ribbon and the 2nd Class from a ribbon on the chest.

During World War I, approximately 218,000 EKIs, 5,196,000 EKIIs and 13,000 non-combatant EKIIs were awarded.

What's the Meaning of The Iron Cross?

The Iron Cross held significant symbolism for the German armed forces and other German military personnel, as well as the nation as a whole.

It represented bravery, sacrifice, and loyalty to the Fatherland, serving as a powerful emblem of national pride and military prowess. You can learn more about the Iron Cross’ meaning here.

Iron Cross 1914 Recipients During WW1

Recipients of the Iron Cross were esteemed for their courage and dedication to the defense of Germany during World War I.

Here are ten famous individuals who received the Iron Cross EK 1914 during World War I:

The red Fokker Dr1 of Manfred von Richthofen on the ground.
The red Fokker Dr1 of Manfred von Richthofen on the ground.
  1. Erwin Rommel – German field marshal: Rommel received the Iron Cross for his exceptional leadership and bravery during various battles, particularly in the Argonne Forest and at Caporetto.
  2. Manfred von Richthofen – German fighter pilot known as the “Red Baron”: Known as the “Red Baron,” Richthofen was awarded the Iron Cross for his remarkable success as a fighter pilot, credited with 80 aerial victories.
  3. Paul von Hindenburg – German military officer and later President of Germany: Hindenburg received the Iron Cross for his strategic brilliance in the Battle of Tannenberg, which resulted in a decisive victory over Russian forces.
  4. Hermann Göring – German politician and military leader: Göring earned the Iron Cross for his aerial combat achievements as a fighter pilot, including numerous successful engagements and his leadership of Jagdgeschwader 1.
  5. Ernst Jünger – German writer and soldier: Jünger was awarded the Iron Cross for his valor and resilience as an infantry officer, particularly noted in his memoir “Storm of Steel” which details his front-line experiences.
  6. Max Immelmann – German fighter pilot: Immelmann received the Iron Cross for his pioneering aerial combat tactics and his success as a fighter ace, with 15 confirmed kills.
  7. Erich Ludendorff – German general and politician: Ludendorff was awarded the Iron Cross for his critical role in various battles, including his strategic planning and execution during the Spring Offensive.
  8. Fritz Haber – German chemist and Nobel laureate: Haber received the Iron Cross for his contributions to the war effort, specifically his development of chemical weapons used during the conflict.
  9. Oswald Boelcke – German fighter pilot: Boelcke earned the Iron Cross for his extraordinary skills as a fighter pilot and his development of air combat tactics that became standard practice.
  10. August von Mackensen – German field marshal: Mackensen received the Iron Cross for his distinguished service as a field marshal, leading successful campaigns on the Eastern Front.

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.

Related Article: The Iron Cross: History & Types of this Prussian German Military Medal

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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.

The Honor Cross of the World War 1914/1918 (Hindenburg Cross)

The Honour Cross of the World War 1914/1918 or Hindenburg Cross was established by Field Marshal Paul von Hindenburg after WW1.

The Honour Cross of the World War 1914/1918 (or Das Ehrenkreuz des Weltkriegs 1914/1918 in german) was established by Field Marshal Paul von Hindenburg, President of the German Republic, in 1934. The medal is commonly and incorrectly known as the Hindenburg Cross, and it commemorates service of the German people during the First World War.

This was Germany’s first official service medal for soldiers of Imperial Germany who had taken part in the war.

The Honour Cross was awarded in three forms: With swords, for front-line veterans, without swords, for non-combatant veterans; and without swords for surviving widows and parents of fallen participants in the war.

The Honour Cross of the World War 1914/1918 Design

The medal awarded to combatants displays a laurel wreath encircling a medallion on the obverse, with the dates “1914 1918” and crossed swords between the arms. The reverse side is plain, and bears only the manufacturer’s logo.

The Honour Cross for non-combatants has no swords and a wreath of oak leaves, and both medals were made of bronze. A total of 8,041,414 medals were awarded.

The Wound Badge (1918)

The Wound Badge (Verwundetenabzeichen) is a military decoration awarded to wounded or frostbitten soldiers during World War I.

The Wound Badge (or Verwundetenabzeichen in German) is a military decoration initially awarded to wounded or frostbitten soldiers of the Imperial German Army during World War I and first promulgated by Wilhelm II, German Emperor on 3 March 1918.

The badge was a tangible acknowledgment of the physical sacrifices made by soldiers. By awarding the Wound Badge, the German military aimed to honor those who had been injured while performing their duties on the battlefield.

Given the stringent criteria, obtaining a Wound Badge required the soldier to have been in active combat and sustained verifiable injuries directly from enemy action. For the higher classes of the badge (silver and gold), multiple wounds were required. Surviving and continuing to fight after receiving multiple serious injuries was a testament to the soldier’s resilience and the harsh conditions of the war.

The Wound Badge Classes and Criteria for Awarding

The badge had three classes:

  • Black (3rd class, representing Iron), awarded for those wounded once or twice by hostile action;
  • Silver (2nd class) for being wounded three or four times; and
  • Gold (1st class, could be awarded posthumously) for five or more times wounded.

To be eligible for the Wound Badge, a soldier had to sustain injuries in combat or as a result of hostile action. This included:

  • Gunshot wounds
  • Shrapnel injuries
  • Chemical burns from gas attacks
  • Severe frostbite injuries
  • Injuries from close combat

The injuries had to be verified and documented by medical personnel. This often involved official medical reports and the approval of the soldier’s commanding officer. The documentation process ensured that only genuine and significant injuries were recognized. When a severe wound occurred, such as loss of a limb or eyesight, the silver badge was awarded.

The obverse and reverse of the Black WW1 Wound Badge decoration.
The obverse and reverse of the Black WW1 Wound Badge decoration.

The WW1 Wound Badge Design

All Wound Badges were made of pressed steel, brass and zinc, and were worn on the lower left breast of the uniform or tunic.

There were 24 approved manufacturers of the Wound Badge. The first Wound Badge is Black and was stamped from sheet brass, painted semi-matte black with a hollow reverse pin back attachment or of solid construction. From 1942 onwards, steel was used to make the badges (Wound Badge 1945). The Wound Badge in silver was made from silver-plated brass and/or lacquered zinc.

The Wound Badge in Gold was a gilded version of the Wound Badge in Silver. In 1957, a revised version of the Wound Badge was authorized for wear; however, the previous type could still be worn if the swastika were removed (for example by grinding).

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The Orient Campaign Medal

The Orient Campaign Medal was a French military medal awarded for participation in the battles against the Central Powers 1915-1918.

The Orient Campaign Medal (“Médaille commémorative d’Orient” in French) was a French military medal awarded for participation in the battles against the Central Powers by the Allied Eastern Army between 1915 and 1918.

The Orient Campaign Medal was awarded to both military and civilian personnel embarked prior to 11 November 1918 for service with the French Army of the Orient; to French personnel who had served in the headquarters staff of the commandant of the Allied Eastern Army and to French sailors that had served East of the 21st degree of longitude in operations related to those of the Allied Eastern Army.

No minimum time of service is mentioned in the award statute.

The Orient Campaign Medal Design

The Orient campaign medal measures 30mm in diameter, is circular and struck from bronze.

The obverse shows the relief image of the “warrior republic” as a left profile of a helmeted woman’s bust. The helmet is adorned by a crown of oak leaves. The relief inscription along the circumference reads “RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE”. The reverse represents both the army and navy, with a relief image of an infantry rifle crossed with a naval anchor below two military banners and lances surmounted. The relief reads “ORIENT” or, on some variants, “HONNEUR ET PATRIE 1915 1918” written on the banners.

The Orient campaign medal hangs from a ribbon through a ring and is adorned by a 24mm in diameter bronze laurel wreath and half crescent. The ribbon is 37mm wide and is light blue with a yellow central 7mm wide and 2mm wide stripes 2mm from the edges.

The Medal of French Gratitude

The Medal of French Gratitude is a French honour medal only awarded to civilians to express gratitude by the French government.

The Medal of French Gratitude (or “Médaille de la Reconnaissance française” in French) is a French honor medal awarded only to civilians as a manner of expressing gratitude by the French government to all those who, without legal or military obligation, had come to the aid of the injured, disabled, refugees, or to those who had performed an act of exceptional dedication in the presence of the enemy during the First World War.

The Medal of French Gratitude was awarded to six French and eight foreign cities.

The Medal of French Gratitude Design

The first model of the Medal of French Gratitude measured 30 mm in diameter, was circular and made of bronze, silver or gilded medal, with a design by the engraver Jules Desbois.

The obverse bears charity personified by France supporting a wounded soldier. On the reverse can be read a circular inscription “RECONNAISSANCE FRANCAISE” with a palm leaf on the right.

The second model of this medal measured 32 mm and was designed by engraver Maurice Delannoy. Its obverse bears a woman wearing a Phrygian cap representing France offering a palm. On the reverse there is a relief inscription RECONNAISSANCE FRANCAISE around a wreath of roses and an escutcheon bearing the initials “RF”.

The medal hags from a 37 mm wide white silk moiré ribbon with tricolour 2 mm wide edge stripes of blue, white and red.

The Medal for Victims of the Invasion

The Medal for Victims of the Invasion was a military decoration awarded to civilians who suffered during the German invasion of France.

The Medal for Victims of the Invasion is a French medal that intended to thank and distinguish the war hostages and persons deported outside of France, who had been imprisoned by the enemy or condemned to forced labour.

At the end of the Great War, it seemed necessary to pay tribute to the courage of the populations of the invaded and occupied regions of France by rewarding them with several medals, among them the Medal for Victims of the Invasion.

Two categories of persons were recognized to have the right to special recognition by the country: Political prisoners condemned by the German authorities to severe punishment for their attachment to France, and hostages of war who for sometimes years, remained in retaliation camps in Poland and Lithuania.

The Medal for victims of the invasion was awarded in three classes: The 1st class in silver gilt, the 2nd class in silver and the 3rd class in bronze.

Medal for Victims of the Invasion Design

The medal measures 30 mm in diameter, is circular and struck in bronze, silvered bronze, silver or gilt silver.

The obverse of the medal was done by engraver Pierre Dautel and bears the relief image of the right profile of a woman wearing a scarf. She has her hands bound in front of her and is looking skywards. The reverse has a relief inscription that reads “AUX” ”VICTIMES” ”DE” ”L’INVASION” ”LA FRANCE” ”RECONNAISSANTE” surrounded by a laurel wreath.

Two clasps could be worn on the ribbon: OTAGES DE GUERRE (WAR HOSTAGES) and PRISONNIERS POLITIQUES (POLITICAL PRISONERS).

The Medal for Civilian Prisoners, Deportees and Hostages

The Medal for Civilian Prisoners, Deportees and Hostages of the 1914-1918 Great War is a commemorative medal awarded to French civilians.

  • Time Period: The Great War
  • Institution: 14 March 1936
  • Country: France

The Medal for civilian prisoners, deportees and hostages of the 1914-1918 Great War (or Médaille des prisonniers civils, déportés et otages de la Grande Guerre 1914-1918) is a commemorative medal awarded to French civilians who were interned in camps during World War I after being deported from the German occupied French territories.

The medal was created by law on 14 March 1936, officially recognizing the sacrifices and patriotism of the French civilians that were forced to leave their homes to be detained or serve as hostages. The medal could also be awarded posthumously for civilian prisoners that were killed or that died of wounds product of their internment.

The Medal for civilian prisoners, deportees and hostages of the 1914-1918 Great War Design

The medal measures 32 mm in diameter, is circular and is struck from bronze.

Its obverse shows a relief image of a woman walking slowly, with her head lowered and her right wrist chained. Her left hand drops a torch symbolizing the home she must abandon. The reverse bore the relief inscription “PRISONNIERS” “CIVILS” “DÉPORTÉS” “ET” “OTAGES” “DE LA” “GRANDE GUERRE” over two closed flowers and surrounded by the circular relief image of a chain along the medal’s circumference.

The Dardanelles Campaign Medal

The Dardanelles campaign medal is a French military medal awarded for participation in the Battle of the Dardanelles or Gallipoli campaign.

The Dardanelles campaign medal (or “Médaille commémorative des Dardanelles”  in French) is a French military medal awarded between 25 April 1915 and 9 January 1916 for participation in the Battle of the Dardanelles, also known as the Gallipoli campaign (which was held against the Central Powers by the Corps expéditionnaire d’Orient and supported by the Royal Navy and French Navy).

The Dardanelles campaign medal was awarded to military and civilian personnel and no minimum time of service is mentioned in the award statute.

The Dardanelles Campaign Medal Design

The Dardanelles campaign medal is circular, measures 30mm in diameter and is struck from bronze.

The obverse of the medal shows a relief image of the “warrior republic” in the form of the left profile of a helmeted woman’s bust. The relief inscription along the circumference “FRENCH REPUBLIC”. The reverse represents both the army and navy, with a relief image of an infantry rifle crossed with a naval anchor. There are two military banners and lances below, surmounted by the inscription “DARDANELLES” (or sometimes “HONNEUR ET PATRIE 1915 1918”).

The medal hung from a ribbon through a ring adorned by a 24mm in diameter bronze laurel wreath and half crescent. The silk moiré ribbon is 37mm wide and is white with four equidistant 3mm wide green stripes beginning 3mm from the edges. A gilt clasp with oriental ornamentation and the inscription “DARDANELLES” is sometimes worn on it, although it is a privately purchased item and unofficial.

The 1914–1918 Commemorative War Medal

The 1914–1918 Commemorative war medal was awarded to soldiers, sailors, and some civilians for service in World War I.

The 1914–1918 Commemorative war medal (or “Médaille commémorative de la guerre 1914–1918” in French) was awarded to soldiers and sailors for service in World War I, and to civilians who met certain requirements, for service between 2 August 1914 and November 11, 1918.

The 1914–1918 Commemorative War Medal Design

The design of the medals was decided by an open contest that had invited many engravers of the time. A total of 73 models were presented to the jury, and Pierre-Alexandre Morlon’s was ultimately adopted.

The medal is made of bronze, round and measures 33 mm in diameter. The obverse shows an effigy of a youthful Minerva in profile, wearing the helmet of 1914 which represents France. She is crowned with laurels and holds a sword in her left hand. On the reverse is the legend: GRANDE GUERRE 1914-1918, surrounded by the inscription REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE.

The Silver War Badge

The Silver War Badge was issued to service personnel honorably discharged due to wounds or sickness during World War I.

  • Time Period: The Great War
  • Year of Institution: September 1916
  • Country: Great Britain

The Silver War Badge was issued to service personnel who had been honorably discharged due to wounds or sickness from military service in World War I in the United Kingdom and the British Empire. The badge is sometimes called the “Discharge Badge”, the “Wound Badge” or “Services Rendered Badge”.

This sterling silver lapel badge was intended to be worn on civilian clothes. As the war had developed, a substantial number of servicemen had been discharged with wounds that rendered them unfit for service, but were sometimes not obvious from their outward appearance. As they could be sometimes harassed by women who confronted men of fighting age they saw in public places without a military uniform by ostentatiously presenting them with white feathers as a suggestion of cowardice; this acted as a secondary causation for the introduction of this medal.

The Silver War Badge Awardees

Approximately 1,150,000 badges were issued, which had to be claimed and then approved.

Here are the names of five individuals who received the Silver War Badge:

  1. Harry Patch: Harry Patch was a British soldier who served in World War I and was known as the “Last Tommy” due to being one of the last surviving veterans of the war. He received the Silver War Badge after being wounded in combat.

  2. Wilfred Owen: Wilfred Owen is one of the most famous poets of World War I, known for his powerful anti-war poems. He received the Silver War Badge after suffering from shell shock and being declared unfit for further service.

  3. Siegfried Sassoon: Another renowned World War I poet, Siegfried Sassoon, received the Silver War Badge. He was initially awarded the Military Cross for his bravery but later protested against the continuation of the war and was sent to a hospital, where he received the badge.

  4. Vera Brittain: Vera Brittain was a British writer and feminist who served as a nurse during World War I. She received the Silver War Badge after being injured and returning to civilian life.

  5. Eric Liddell: Eric Liddell, the Scottish athlete and missionary depicted in the film “Chariots of Fire,” received the Silver War Badge. He served as a missionary in China during World War II and was interned in a Japanese civilian internment camp during the war, where he received the badge due to his internment.

The Silver War Badge Design

The badge bears the royal cipher of “GRI” (for Georgius Rex Imperator; George, King and Emperor) and around the rim “For King and Empire – Services Rendered”. 

The reverse side of the Silver War Badge is engraved with the recipient’s unique service number, rank, name, and regiment or unit. This information helps in identifying and confirming the recipient’s service, as each badge was uniquely numbered (Silver War Badges issued by the Empire’s dominion nations had their identification numbers on the reverse prefixed with the first letter of the issuing nation).

The Silver War Badge is typically suspended from a simple pin or brooch mechanism, allowing it to be worn on a civilian’s clothing.

The ribbon of the Silver War Badge is usually a solid, muted silver-gray color, complementing the badge’s purpose as a symbol of honor for those who had suffered wounds or illness in service to their country during World War I.

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