KC holders after the war and in Bundeswehr

Pat D · Post by **Pat D** » 09 Dec 2004 05:46

I've heard of several KC holders, as well as many other former Wehrmacht personnel, that ended up in the Bundeswehr in the 50s and 60s. Were they still able to wear their cross in the new "army" and did it carry the same honor as before or was it taboo in the interest of "denazification"? I believe the current German army still awards it but for what?

Kurt_Steiner · Post by **Kurt_Steiner** » 09 Dec 2004 08:56

Following the end of the Second World War, the government of West Germany permitted its military veterans to continue to wear the Iron Cross, however German law prohibits the wearing of an Iron Cross with a swastika. In 1957 the German government issued new Iron Crosses to World War II veterans, altered to display an Oak Leaf Cluster, instead of a swastika, in the center of the medal.

some links:
http://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?t=65684
http://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?t=50824
http://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?t=42682
http://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?t=21380

Balsi · Post by **Balsi** » 09 Dec 2004 10:40

soon there will be published a book "Ritterkreuzträger in der Bundeswehr" more than 800 KC-Holders served in the Bundeswehr...

Dieter Zinke · Post by **Dieter Zinke** » 09 Dec 2004 18:09

Balsi wrote:soon there will be published a book "Ritterkreuzträger in der Bundeswehr" more than 800 KC-Holders served in the Bundeswehr...

My questions:
Who is / are the author / s ??
Who is the publisher ??

Dieter

FlorianBerger · Post by **FlorianBerger** » 09 Dec 2004 21:40

join http://www.das-ritterkreuz.de

Douglas Jr. · Post by **Douglas Jr.** » 10 Dec 2004 11:02

Kurt_Steiner wrote:Following the end of the Second World War, the government of West Germany permitted its military veterans to continue to wear the Iron Cross, however German law prohibits the wearing of an Iron Cross with a swastika. In 1957 the German government issued new Iron Crosses to World War II veterans, altered to display an Oak Leaf Cluster, instead of a swastika, in the center of the medal.

Steiner is absolutely correct!
Here are some pictures of WWII veterans using their Knight´s Cross while serving in the Bundeswehr.

Douglas.

Douglas Jr. · Post by **Douglas Jr.** » 10 Dec 2004 11:06

Hi,

Here are two more WWI Veterans...

Douglas.

Douglas Jr. · Post by **Douglas Jr.** » 10 Dec 2004 11:12

Hello,

And here is a picture of the 1957 version of the Ritterkreuz, showing the "Imperial" Oakleaves in its center.

Douglas.

Dieter Zinke · Post by **Dieter Zinke** » 10 Dec 2004 11:15

To my knowledge the first presentation of the Knights Cross, in the new form without swastika, was presented in 1957 in Bonn to an official occasion by Dr. Erich Mende and Friedrich Ruge.
This was immediately after the publishing of the new "Gesetz über Titel, Orden und Ehrenzeichen" (statute about titles, orders and decorations) from 26.07.1957 (Bundesgesetzblatt I S. 844)
Dr. Mende was then vice-chancellor and leader of the Liberal Party FDP.
Ruge was Vizeadmiral and Chef Abteilung VII / Budesministerium der Verteidigung / Inspekteur der Marine.

Dieter

T W Foreman · Post by **T W Foreman** » 12 Dec 2004 22:55

Sir...

I worked for a KC winner as late as 1979. He was a very young Fallschirmjäger in Russia. He later commanded the 251 Luftlande Brigade.
He only wore the decoration at formal events. And would only speak to US personnel about the decoration after they completed the German Jump School at AltenStadt. He was an amazing officer whom I respected for his leadership, and courage, plus he always fought our team to be the first out of the plane....as we say a springer to the end

Tsgt W Foreman
USAF CCT

Dieter Zinke · Post by **Dieter Zinke** » 16 Dec 2004 10:48

I had to correct and complete my posting from the 10.12.2004.

DZ

Axis History Forum

KC holders after the war and in Bundeswehr

KC holders after the war and in Bundeswehr

RK in use

two more

1957 RK

KC Winners In Bundesheer