Grand Cross of the Iron Cross

The Grand Cross of the Iron Cross (German: Großkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) was a decoration intended for victorious generals of the Prussian Army and its allies.

The Kaiser was supreme commander of the Prussian Army, and Moltke was Chief of the General Staff.

Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring became the only recipient of the Grand Cross of the Iron Cross during World War II when it was awarded to him at the Field Marshal Ceremony on 19 July 1940 in his role as the Supreme Commander of the Luftwaffe for leading them to victory in the French campaign.

[1] A World War II version of the higher Star of the Grand Cross of the Iron Cross was devised, but never formally instituted or awarded.

Following the Allied victory in May 1945, the United States Army seized the only known prototype, which is now a part of the collection of the Museum of the United States Military Academy (USMA) in West Point, New York.

1813 Grand Cross of the Iron Cross.
1870 Grand Cross of the Iron Cross.
1914 Grand Cross of the Iron Cross.
Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring wearing the 1939 Grand Cross and below it his Pour le Mérite .
1939 Grand Cross by S&L.