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:
- Erwin Rommel – German field marshal
- Manfred von Richthofen – German fighter pilot known as the “Red Baron”
- Paul von Hindenburg – German military officer and later President of Germany
- Hermann Göring – German politician and military leader
- Ernst Jünger – German writer and soldier
- Max Immelmann – German fighter pilot
- Erich Ludendorff – German general and politician
- Fritz Haber – German chemist and Nobel laureate
- Oswald Boelcke – German fighter pilot
- August von Mackensen – German field marshal
More Variations of the Iron Cross
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.
