Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse - Iron Cross First Class

The Iron Cross of World War II was divided into three main series of decorations: the Iron Cross (the lowest), the Knight’s Cross (intermediate), and the Grand Cross (the highest). The Knight’s Cross replaced the Prussian Pour le Mérite or “Blue Max”. 

Prerequisites

The Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse is awarded for a soldier first act bravery in battle as well as other military contributions in a battlefield environment.

Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse - Iron Cross Second Class

The Iron Cross of World War II was divided into three main series of decorations: the Iron Cross (the lowest), the Knight’s Cross (intermediate), and the Grand Cross (the highest). The Knight’s Cross replaced the Prussian Pour le Mérite or “Blue Max”. 

Prerequisites

The Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse is awarded for a soldier 2nd act bravery in battle as well as other military contributions in a battlefield environment.

Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub - Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross

The Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, often simply Ritterkreuz) recognized military valour or successful leadership. The Knight’s Cross was divided into five degrees:

Prerequisites

The Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes is awarded for a soldier 2nd act bravery in battle as well as other military contributions in a battlefield environment.

Kriegsverdienstkreuz 2. Klasse - War Merit Cross 2nd Class

The War Merit Cross (German: Kriegsverdienstkreuz) was a state decoration of Nazi Germany during World War II. By the end of the conflict it was issued in four degrees and had an equivalent civil award.

Prerequisites

The award would recognize bravery or service in the furtherance of the war effort that fell short of the award of the Iron Cross. The award was graded in the same manner as the Iron Cross: War Merit Cross Second Class, War Merit Cross First Class, and Knights Cross of the War Merit Cross.

Kriegsverdienstkreuz 1. Klasse - War Merit Cross 1st Class

The War Merit Cross (German: Kriegsverdienstkreuz) was a state decoration of Nazi Germany during World War II. By the end of the conflict it was issued in four degrees and had an equivalent civil award.

Prerequisites

The award would recognize bravery or service in the furtherance of the war effort that fell short of the award of the Iron Cross. The award was graded in the same manner as the Iron Cross: War Merit Cross Second Class, War Merit Cross First Class, and Knights Cross of the War Merit Cross.

Ritterkreuz des Kriegsverdienstkreuz - Knights Cross of the War Merit Cross

The War Merit Cross (German: Kriegsverdienstkreuz) was a state decoration of Nazi Germany during World War II. By the end of the conflict it was issued in four degrees and had an equivalent civil award.

Prerequisites

The award would recognize bravery or service in the furtherance of the war effort that fell short of the award of the Iron Cross. The award was graded in the same manner as the Iron Cross: War Merit Cross Second Class, War Merit Cross First Class, and Knights Cross of the War Merit Cross.