Eligibility of Pre-WWI Iron Cross Recipients for the Knights Cross of the Iron Cross in Nazi Germany

During World War II, the structure of military awards in Nazi Germany was complex and intricate, with various medals and decorations that could be awarded to military personnel. A notable question arose regarding the eligibility of recipients of the World War I Iron Cross (1914) for the more prestigious Knights Cross of the Iron Cross (1939). This article investigates the specifics of this eligibility and what it entailed.

Eligibility Conditions

Although the Iron Cross (I.R.) was reinstated at the beginning of each war and retired at the end, a holder of a 1914 Iron Cross could not simply receive the Knights Cross of the 1939 Iron Cross. Instead, they had to first receive the 1939 Iron Cross and progress through its ranks to the highest level - Second and First Class - before being eligible for the Knights Cross.

Decomplexification of Requirements

While this requirement might seem stringent at first glance, the German military sphere often displayed inventive flexibility in meeting these conditions. An example illustrates this: in 1940, a previously undecorated German soldier earned a Knights Cross for successfully capturing a strategic bridge. In most armies, he would have been awarded a highly prestigious medal such as the Victoria Cross or Military Medal (MoH). However, the German military awarded him:

The 1939 Iron Cross 2nd Class for approaching the bridge under fire. The 1939 Iron Cross 1st Class for crossing the bridge under fire. The Knights Cross of the 1939 Iron Cross for taking out the machine gun positions that had been shooting at him.

This approach allowed numerous veterans from World War I to progress to this highest level of decoration.

Distinguished Military Service

Service members from World War I who had earned the Iron Cross (1914), when recognized for their outstanding service in the time of the Second World War, would often receive the 1939 versions of the Iron Cross for their previous achievements, thereby qualifying for the Knights Cross.

Examples in Military History

One notable example is Erwin Rommel. In a photograph of Rommel, one can see the silver eagle badges pinned to the ribbon of the 1914 Iron Cross 2nd Class in his buttonhole just below the Blue Max (Hausorden der Krone) and above the 1914 Iron Cross 1st Class. These badges indicate his receipt of the 1939 versions of these decorations, making him eligible to receive the Knights Cross of the 1939 Iron Cross worn at his throat.

Another example is Hermann G?ring. The relatively unassuming portrait of G?ring shows him wearing the Iron Cross 1st Class of 1914, distinguished by the silver eagle, indicating his award of the same decoration in 1939. He also holds the Knights Cross of 1939 and the Grand Cross of the Iron Cross at the position of honor. This combination was common among World War II German generals who had distinguished themselves in World War I.

By understanding these eligibility criteria and the flexibility of military bureaucracy, one can appreciate the complexity and honor surrounding military decorations in Nazi Germany, especially in the context of bridging the two World Wars.