THE IRON CROSS OF 1939

After arriving at the conclusion that the German people must be called to arms in
defense of an imminent attack, I will renew for the sons of Germany, as in the past
great wars in the defense of the home and the Fatherland, the Order of the Iron
Cross.
Article I
The Iron Cross will be awarded in the following classes:
Iron Cross Second Class
Iron Cross First Class
Knights Cross of the Iron Cross
Knights Cross of the Iron Cross with Oakleaves
Grand Cross of the Iron Cross
Article 2
i      The Iron Cross will be awarded for outstanding service to service personnel and
       for bravery in the face of the enemy.
ii     The cross for a higher class must be preceded by that of a lower class.
Article 3
The awarding of the Grand Cross depends upon my own decision for outstanding
deeds which are decisive. Articles I and 4 state that the Iron Cross has the
following classes and, is awarded in this order: Second Class, First Class, Knights
Cross, and Grand Cross.
Article 4
i      The Iron cross First and Second Class are the same as for those in World War
       One, except that there is on the face a swastika and the year 1939. The reverse of
       the Second Class has the year 1813. The Second Class is worn on a black, white
       and red ribbon on the medal bar or in the buttonhole. The First Class is worn
       without a ribbon on the left breast.
ii      The Knights Cross is larger than the Iron Cross Second Class. It is worn on a
       black, white and red ribbon around the neck.
iii     The Oakleaves to the Knights Cross of the Iron Cross consist of three silver
       oakleaves on the ribbon clip.
iv     The Grand Cross is twice the size of the Iron Cross Second Class and is worn on
        a wide black, white and red ribbon around the neck.
Article 5
The holder of either class of the Iron Cross of World War One who distinguishes
himself will receive a silver clasp with an eagle (wings out) holding a wreath and
swastika and the year 1939 which will be worn on the ribbon in the case of the
Second Class and pinned above the Cross on the left breast in the case of the First
Class.
Article 6
The award will be accompanied by a possession certificate.
Article 7
The Iron Cross in case of death will be returned to the next of kin at the family
home.
Article 8
The Headquarters of the Chief of the Army High Command, Reichsminister with
the Minister of State and Chief of the Presiding Council,
Berlin, 1 September 1939
Der Führer (Adolf Hitler)
Chief of Army High Command (Keitel)
Reichsminister of Interior (Frick)
Minister of State, Chancellery Chief, Head and Reichs Councillor (Dr Meissner)