Introduction

The men who earned the Iron Cross held the key to the successes of the Wehrmacht. Their actions and achievements provide examples that help explain why Germany was able to hold the world at bay for nearly five years. Long after the great Blitzkrieg victories of the early campaigns the ranks of German soldiers continued to fight with frightening efficiency. Limited by their resources, they often obtained the unattainable and held on to ground against all odds. It is not only a wonder what they achieved in victory, but also what they achieved in defeat. Some of the most tenacious defenses were displayed when attempting to save trapped comrades, and loyalty to each other keep the Wehrmacht, and in particular the elite Waffen SS, fighting until the end even when the outcome of the war seemed inevitable. Their courage was recognized with the Iron Cross.

After the initial German victories in the West, the armies set on their journey East included Dutch, Spanish, Italians and Croatian volunteers who were eager to fight Bolshevism. These men fought who alongside their allies did so with distinction, and many were honored with the Iron Cross. Please see the Croatian Recipients of German Decorations page (located in the Axis Allies section) for more information on that topic. Also, the SS section covers the story of Johannes (Joop) Cuypers, a Waffen SS Dutch volunteer.

You may follow the links below to view recipient stories from the different branches of the Wehrmacht.

Iron Cross Index

Iron Cross Recipients Index