Saturday, December 4, 2010

German Iron Cross - Synonymous with Heroes

By Danny Brooks


Numerous nations happen to have been shaped by wars and from these, several people are hailed as heroes. For each country, kingdom or tribe, heroes are given distinction be awarding them recognitions, titles and tributes. Via the eons, such recognitions have developed into war medals and badges. One prominent war medal is the German Eisenkreuz (Iron Cross).

This is no simple German military surplus find for those avid military surplus hunters out there. This medal is really a recognition of valor and bravery. It was initial introduced by King Frederick William III in 1813 during the war against France headed by Napleon. This military ward was also utilized throughout the 1st and second world war. The four-pointed star with white trim was designed by Architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel.

The fundamental created remained the same but by means of the years some variations have been made. Though it's customary to put the date when it's given at the lower part of the cross as well as the initials of the monarch at the center, distinct classes of the Iron Cross has a number of additions to the design. During the Second World War, the swastika replaced the monarch's initials. Also, the higher class of iron cross medal included a ribbon. Furthermore, the highest recognition under the Iron Cross war medal is the Knights Cross of Iron Cross with Golden Oakleaves, Swords and Diamonds. Obviously the design of this particular medal consists of golden oak leaves, swords and diamond.

Though millions of iron cross medals were given only 1 person was given the highest Iron Cross recognition - Hans Ulrich Rudel. He was a dive bomber throughout World War 2 who destroyed approximately 2,000 targets (such as over 500 Russian tanks, a battle Ship, a cruiser and a destroyer). He participated in a lot more than 2,500 combat missions, shot down 32 times and still lived to tell about it.

For anybody who will come across an authentic German Iron Cross inside the market remember that this is really a piece of history and not just a German military surplus. It is sincere to keep in mind that this medal is synonymous with valor and heroism.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment