Iron Cross Questions

[krimsonglass51]

Was the Iron Cross series that was reinstated in 1939 made specifically for WWII, or was it an award that could be used for any conflict like the Purple Heart?

[John G.]

1939 Iron Crosses were obviously awarded specifically for WW 2 .... starting in 1939 and ending with the surrender in 1945.... inclusive....

A holder of a WW 1 Iron Cross (1914) would have received the 1939 Clasp to the Iron cross as an award for WW 2 service.
John G.

[krimsonglass51]

Then it appears that by awarding Finnish (who did not want to be associated with the German war effort) and Japanese (who's fighting was not related to the events in Europe) personnel, this was a way for the Germans to associate the scattered fronts as part of the same war effort.

I understand this probably seems obvious.