Iron Cross
a Prussian order, instituted Mar. 10, 1813, by Frederick William III., to be conferred for distinguished services in war. It was made of iron to commemorate the grim "iron" period at which it was created. The decoration consists of a maltese cross of iron, edged with silver, and is worn round the neck or at the buttonhole.
The order was revived by William I. in 1870, on the eve of the great war with IRONSIDES France. The grand cross, a cross of double the size, is presented exclusively for the gaining of a decisive battle, or the capture or brave defense of a fortress.
In the course of the Great War (1914- 18) the Emperor Wilhelm II. awarded Emperor over a hundred thousand crosses to the German troops and officers.