MARKING: 2 on the NEEDLE
Started on March 10, 1813
by Friedrich-Wilheim III of Prussia
originally, there were 3 Classes:
1st, 2nd & Grand
It was re-instituted for each major war:
1870, 1914 & 1939
(Note: the date on the bottom: 1939)
Hilter, re-instituted it on September 1st,1939
He changed the design, abolished a non-combatant vrsion
& made higher versions called the Knight's Cross
About 300,000 were made, but not all awarded
It was necessary to have the 2nd Class before you could have the 1st Class
It was given on a points basis.
It is woren on the left breast pocket
MARKING: 2 on the NEEDLE