World War II Iron Cross Medal

The Iron Cross was first issued in 1813 by Frederick William III for distinguished service during the Prussian War of Liberation. The decoration of honor was revived again in 1870 for the Franco-Prussian War and 1914 for World War I. This incarnation of the cross was used by the Nazis during World War II to confer on Germans and their allies for leadership and bravery. The World War II design is embossed with the swastika.