(Großkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes)

Date Instituted

1 September 1939

Requirements

Awarded to General Staff officers for strategic decisions affecting the outcome of the war (in a positive way of course).

Number Awarded

1

Recipients

Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring

Known makers/markings

Rath


Hermann Göring after his surrender

(Courtesy of Alan M.)

Comments

A Star of the Grand Cross was also planned, but never awarded.

Sources used

Christopher Ailsby - World War 2 German medals and political awards
John R. Angolia - For Führer and Fatherland: Military awards of the Third Reich
David Littlejohn - Orders, decorations, medals and badges of the Third Reich

Reference material on this award

Dietrich Maerz - The Knights Cross of the Iron Cross
Stephen Thomas Previtera - The Iron Time: A History of the Iron Cross
Gordon Williamson - The Iron Cross
Gordon Williamson - The Iron Cross of 1939