What Does The Iron Cross Mean?

The Iron Cross is an order of Prussian Knighthood. It started in 10th March 1813. Thus it was a military decoration in Prussia and Germany. It was initiated by King Friedrich Wilhelm III of Prussia. It was awarded only during times of war. It was lastly awarded in May 1945. It was initially a symbol that belonged to Teutonic Knights, a German Roman Catholic religious order of the 12th century and a military order in the medieval times. It has been adopted as the symbol of German armed forces since 1870.

They were awarded for bravery and military contributions. It was usually awarded in different grades like Iron Cross 2nd Class, Iron Cross 1st class and the Grand Cross of the Iron Cross. Many have received the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd grade but the only individual to be awarded the Grand Cross in 1939 was Herman Goring on July 19th, 1940.