Bar to the Iron Cross 2nd Class

The German Bar to the Iron Cross 2nd Class (German: Spange zum Eisernen Kreuz 2. Klasse) was a military decoration used during World War II by Nazi Germany. It was designed to be worn on the ribbon of the Iron Cross 2nd Class, signifying a subsequent award or a repeat of the Iron Cross 2nd Class.

Here are some key points about the German Bar to the Iron Cross 2nd Class:

1. Purpose and Significance: The Bar was introduced on September 1, 1939, along with the Iron Cross 2nd Class, to mark additional acts of bravery or combat distinction after the initial award of the Iron Cross.

2. Design: The Bar itself was a small metal bar with clasps on the back that allowed it to be attached to the ribbon of the Iron Cross 2nd Class. It had a similar design to the Iron Cross, featuring an eagle clutching a swastika at the center, surrounded by an oak leaf wreath.

3. Criteria for Award: To qualify for the Bar to the Iron Cross 2nd Class, recipients had to have already been awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class and subsequently demonstrated further acts of bravery or service worthy of recognition.

4. Typical Wear: Recipients of this Bar wore it on the ribbon of their Iron Cross 2nd Class. If a recipient received multiple subsequent awards, additional bars (up to three) could be attached to the ribbon.

5. Variants and Classes: There was a corresponding Bar to the Iron Cross 1st Class, which functioned similarly but was worn with the Iron Cross 1st Class. The number of bars worn indicated the number of subsequent awards or acts of distinction.

6. Discontinuation: The award of the Iron Cross series, including the Bar to the Iron Cross 2nd Class, ceased with the defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945.

The German Bar to the Iron Cross 2nd Class thus represented a visible and respected form of recognition for continued gallantry or meritorious service during World War II. Its historical significance lies within the context of the military decorations and practices of the Third Reich era.