German WWI 1914 Iron Cross 2nd Class with Document to Landwehrmann Albert Hirsch -This is a 1914 Iron Cross II Class Award Document to Landwehrmann Albert Hirsch of the 218th Reserve Infantry Regiment, on cream-colored paper. This award was presented on August 24, 1918. This also includes the Iron Cross 2nd class, and it is a beautiful example complete with original ribbon. Black finish is intact, no scratching. The frame is beautifully toned. Excellent shape. His is a terrific display piece.
History: On March 10th, 1813, Prussian Kaiser Friedrich Wilhelm III established the Iron Cross as a temporary award for bestowal during times of war. Originally the Iron Cross was introduced in three grades with a Grand Cross intended for award to Senior Commanders for successfully leading troops in combat and the First and Second classes for award to all ranks for bravery or merit in action. The Iron Crosses were reinstituted by Kaiser Wilhelm I on July 19th, 1870, for award during the Franco-Prussian War and again on August 5th, 1914, by Kaiser Wilhelm II for award during WWI. On September 1ST 1939 Hitler once more reinstituted the Iron Cross series of awards in the First and Second Classes and established the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross. The first-class medal was for award to personnel who performed three to five acts of bravery in combat and had already been awarded the Iron Cross second class.