Reuben Weiner managed to
collect at least 5 Iron Cross medals during his service in the ETO.
Note that, although hard to discern in the five larger
medals, these Iron Crosses all have a swastika in their
center .
Originally created in 1813 by King
Fredrick III during Prussia's period of 'blood and iron' - their struggle
for survival against Napoleon. The Iron Cross was intended to replace other
traditional awards during times of war, such as the Order of the Red Eagle
or the Pour le Mèrite (known as the Blue Max during WW1). In practice,
all other medals were issued as well as the Iron Cross.
The medal was re-introduced in various
conflicts. Hitler (who had been awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class in
WW1) reintroduced it in WW2
Note that all 1939/45 medals have the swastika in the central position
proving that these medals were all awarded during WW-II..
Fredrick III during Prussia's period of 'blood and iron' - their struggle
for survival against Napoleon. The Iron Cross was intended to replace other
traditional awards during times of war, such as the Order of the Red Eagle
or the Pour le Mèrite (known as the Blue Max during WW1). In practice,
all other medals were issued as well as the Iron Cross.