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TATTOO DESIGNS & SYMBOLS - IRON CROSS TATTOOS
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Iron Cross
 Iron Cross Tattoos -
This simple yet striking symbol has long been synonymous with old
world German courage and triumph. Sometimes mistaken for the
Maltese Cross, the Iron Cross is one of the most visually powerful and
recognizable military awards of all time.
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Notorious, yes, but this German medal is also the most historically
rich. King Friedrich Wilhelm III introduced it in 1813 during the
Prussian War of Liberation against Napoleon. It was re-established
in WWI, when over five million combatants were awarded the cross for
acts of heroism, bravery, or leadership skills. Hitler, himself,
earned one, and in 1939 he resurrected it to evoke the glory of
bygone days. It was awarded without regard to nationality or social
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 Normally a military decoration, it was occasionally handed
out to civilians for performing military functions. The civilian
pilot Hanna Reitsch for instance, was awarded the Iron Cross First
Class by Adolf for her bravery as a test pilot, and was one of only
two women presented with the Iron Cross First Class during WWII.
Awarded only in wartime, it hasn't been handed out since May of
1945, yet it continues to pay homage to the valor of the old
warriors who lived and fought through those crazy times. The cross
design (not the decoration) has been the symbol of Germany's armed
forces (the Bundeswehr) since about 1870.
Get
inspired by some really amazing images and photos of crosses in our
Iron Cross
Inspiration Gallery
See also Celtic Cross,
Southern Cross,
Maltese Cross,
Cross Moline.
Choose your own iron cross tattoo design from Tattoo-Art.com.
Buy the iron cross tattoo design that is perfect for you.
Cross Tattoo
design ideas at Tattoo Johnny
Tattoo designs - I >>
Iron Cross
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