NAME

Clasp to the Iron Cross 1. Class 1914

DATE OF INSTITUTION

1. September 1939 as the second grade of the re-instituted Order of the Iron Cross for awardees of the Iron Cross 1. Class 1914

AWARD CRITERIA

The Iron Cross was awarded for particular bravery in the face of the enemy and for outstanding merit in troop leadership. The awarding of a higher grade required the previous awarding of the lower grade. Divisional commanders were authorized to award the Clasp for the Iron Cross 1. Class 1914 and stocks were kept at divisional level.

MANUFACTURERS

The Clasp to the Iron Cross 2. Class 1914 was produced by at least 18 manufacturers, not including variations amongst the individual companies. The clasps can be found either unmarked or with LDO numbers.

AWARD NUMBERS

Accurate numbers are not known but the closest estimation is 7,100 and most likely around 28,000 manufactured.

AWARD DOCUMENTS

The division issued the award document in the format A5 in the name of the Führer and Supreme Commander of the Wehrmacht (after mid-1943 only in the name of the Führer) and was signed by the divisional commander.

WEARING METHOD

The clasp was worn above the Iron Cross 1. Class 1914 on the left breast pocket of the uniform.