What does the German Iron Cross represent?
What does the German Iron Cross represent?
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 was the highest German medal in ww2?
The Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross
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.
What is the highest German military decoration?
Bundeswehr Cross of Honour for Valour
The Bundeswehr Cross of Honour for Valour (German: Ehrenkreuz der Bundeswehr für Tapferkeit) is the highest military decoration of the Bundeswehr.
What does Wehrmacht literally mean?
The German term “Wehrmacht” stems from the compound word of German: wehren, “to defend” and Macht, “power, force”. It has been used to describe any nation’s armed forces; for example, Britische Wehrmacht meaning “British Armed Forces”.
Who was the most decorated German soldier of ww2?
Hans-Ulrich Rudel
Hans-Ulrich Rudel was a German ground-attack pilot, and the most decorated German serviceman of World War II, being the sole recipient of the Knight’s Cross with Golden Oak Leaves, Swords, and Diamonds. Post-war, he was a prominent neo-Nazi activist in Latin America and West Germany.
Does the German army still award the Iron Cross?
More than six decades after its end, though, Germany has reintroduced military honors: A politically correct, newly minted version of the Iron Cross – awarded to German soldiers since 1813, but withdrawn after the Second World War – was pinned on the chests of four senior non-commissioned officers yesterday.
What is the German equivalent of the Medal of Honor?
The German Gold Cross is equivalent to the U.S. Medal of honor, only four other German Soldiers have ever been awarded it. The medal is for outstanding deeds at the risk of one’s life.
What does Wehrmacht mean in German?
defense power
Wehrmacht, (German: “defense power”) the armed forces of the Third Reich. The three primary branches of the Wehrmacht were the Heer (army), Luftwaffe (air force), and Kriegsmarine (navy).
What is the difference between the Wehrmacht and the SS?
The Waffen SS was more of a private army while the Wehrmacht was a national army I think. Except that the Waffen SS was given orders by the OKW just like the Heer and they didn’t seem to be used in a different way than the Heer.