NAME

Order of the Iron Cross 2. Class

DATE OF INSTITUTION

1. September 1939 as the lowest grade of the re-instituted Order of the Iron Cross

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 Iron Cross 2. Class and stocks were kept at divisional level.

MANUFACTURERS

The Iron Cross 2. Class was produced by at least 65 manufacturers, not including variations amongst the individual companies. At least 27 companies sourced the dies from Steinhauer & Lück and show therefore nearly identical features of the frame and core. The crosses can be found either unmarked, with Präsidialkanzlei number (after the end of 1942 / early1943), or with LDO number (rare).

AWARD NUMBERS

Accurate numbers are not known but the closest estimation is around 3.5 - 3.7 Million awarded and most likely 5 - 6 Million 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.

The actual cross was only worn on the day of the award. After that day only the ribbon was attached to the second buttonhole of the uniform.