Applications of Lasers in the Military – Military Lasers
Originally a Prussian military decoration, the Iron Cross is perhaps one of the most immediately recognisable war medal in the World. It is synonymous with the German Army, having been awarded in both the World War One and World War Two, although it was incepted in 1813. It was first given by King Frederick William III of Prussia but latterly, of course, and most famously, by Adolf Hitler (with the addition of the Swastika).
The design of the Iron Cross has been left much the same since its inception, being a four pointed black cross with white edging. The arms of the cross broaden at the ends giving it a gothic appearance, much like the Maltese Cross, and, oddly enough, it was designed by an Architect, Karl Friedrich Schinkel.
As a result of being issued over a long period of time in Prussian and then German history, each Iron Cross will bear a date mark to indicate the relevant era of issue. The date appears on the lower limb of the cross and will immediately reveal whether the medal was awarded in world War One (stamped ’1914′) or World War Two (stamped ’1939). Earlier versions will be stamped, for example, 1870. All will also carry a stamp on the reverse of the lower arm bearing the date ’1813′ marking the medal’s inception and you will also find in the middle of the Cross the initials of the Monarch at the time, ie ‘FW’ for King Frederick William III, ‘W’ for the two Kaisers Wilhelm and a Swastika for Nazi Germany. The combination of these markings will enable even the most inexperienced collector to identify a particular medal.
Military unit coins gained popularity after the Gulf War in 1991, there have been special coins minted to recognize a certain date in military history, such as the cold war and Desert Storm and Desert Shield. These coins were first given notoriety in WW1 when soldiers would compare them and group together according to their given coins and branches. Each coin is designed to show the receiver that their commitment is not overlooked.
The Second World War saw three slightly altered classes of Iron Cross awarded, namely (in ascending order) the Iron Cross, the Knight’s Cross and the Grand Cross. The Knight’s Cross was awarded itself in five sub classes; Knight’s Cross, Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves, Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords, Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds and, finally, Knight’s Cross with Golden Oak Leaves, Swords, and Diamonds.
Each branch of service has their own military unit coins. Many who receive these coins cherish them and pass them on to the next generation for safekeeping. Some coins are given upon joining an organization and after completing the training.
There are other variations of the Iron Cross but these were very rarely awarded. For example, the Grand Cross (1939), which was awarded only once (Goering). And the Star of the Grand Cross, the last recipient being Hindenburg in 1918. The Iron Cross is highly collectible, not least because so many of them awarded. Sadly, the recipient cannot be identified and researched but that does not detract from their interest to collectors.
Resource Author Francisco R. Higueras
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