Yes, the actual Eisernes Kreuz has only been issued during a time when Germany was actually at war. Though the Bundeswehr does have soldiers engaged in active combat in foreign countries, Germany is not at war. Hence, no Iron Cross. Instead, we have this Honor (Ehren) Cross. The argument that the EK will forever be associated with the TR is a moot point since Germany is not at war and (here is where I could be wrong) will not be at war with anybody anytime soon since the primary function of the Bundeswehr is home defense. No declaration of war, no EK.
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I guess I'm in the minority that like this medal as well. Yeah, it's no Iron Cross, but I think that it is an aesthetically-pleasing design. I just think it was a bit of a cop-out that it is basically just the long serivce medal. The only thing that makes it a medal for heroism is the pin on the ribbon.Comment
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Well that's because it is not nor was meant to be the Iron Cross. As far as herosim, it appears to be an "Honor" award, similar to long service or meritorious service, not for heroism or valour.Originally posted by MauserKar98k View Post
On another tangent ....
The US and Commonwealth have issued the highest awards for valour in Iraq / Iran, what makes it any different for Germany? In a War or fighting against an Enemy ... what's the difference?
Bring on the EK
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You won't see any re-instatement of the EK in the near term. Germany's government will remain politically correct (it has to) for many years to come and a declaration of war by Germany any time soon.......
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I dont think it really comes down to anything more then the fact that there is not and probably will not be a declaration of war in Germany. I dont think it has much to do with being PC or what have you since the Iron Cross design is still present in the above stated Honer Cross not to mention on just about all of the current Luftwaffe's planes is a hybrid of the EK and the balkenkreuz.Comment
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Hi,
here is the complete set of the "Ehrenzeichen der Bundeswehr":
http://www.bmvg.de/fileserving/Porta...itory=youatweb
And here is the "Ehrenkreuz der Bundeswehr für Tapferkeit" (excellent picture):
http://www.bmvg.de/fileserving/Porta...itory=youatweb
UweComment
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Well you have remember that the IC is not a decoration like the 'silver star', MC, VR or CMoH it is classified as an 'Order' which is governed by a charter a different kettle of fish than the other medals.Originally posted by Darrell View PostOn another tangent ....
The US and Commonwealth have issued the highest awards for valour in Iraq / Iran, what makes it any different for Germany? In a War or fighting against an Enemy ... what's the difference?
Bring on the EK
It is also me thinks unique in 'Orders' in that it can be is given for both Valour and/or leadership
The point being that the 'charter of the IC' is that there must be a state of War.
While most of the charters. warrants or standing orders of other decorations usually have wording like 'in the presence of the enemy' or 'under hostile fire' or 'in extreme peril' which could could be peacetime.Last edited by byterock; 02-19-2009, 09:29 PM.Comment
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very nice design! We are wearing such crosses on the carneval.
Maybe the german government could create a second type with the turkish half moon instead of the german eagle being worn by the upcoming majority of the german people.
regards,
StefanComment
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If you want one André Huesken is selling a few in Germany
(3 classes)
I think design is OK
This cross should not be compared to an EK
KapiteinComment
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Its not the politically correct Germans, its the politically correct rest of the worldOriginally posted by wolfeknives View Post
who would scream blue murder if the Bundeswehr were to start giving out ICs!
Like has already been said, this is not a substitute for the IC.Comment
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Looks like a fake ...Comment
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