How can you tell if WW2 German medals are real?
How can you tell if WW2 German medals are real?
Hold the badge in your hands and apply light, brief pressure to try to bend it in half. If it bends easily, the badge is fake. An authentic badge will be stiffer and will not bend under light pressure.
What was the highest German medal in WW2?
The Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross
The Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (German: Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes), or simply the Knight’s Cross (Ritterkreuz), and its variants, were the highest awards in the military and paramilitary forces of Nazi Germany during World War II.
What percentage of the German army was SS?
In early 1944 the Waffen-SS made up less than 5 percent of the Wehrmacht, but it accounted for nearly one-fourth of Germany’s panzer divisions and roughly one-third of the Wehrmacht’s panzer grenadier (mechanized infantry) divisions.
Are ww2 photos worth money?
Autographed photos of General Eisenhower, General Patton and General MacArthur. Signed pictures of these famed generals dating to World War II can be worth thousands of dollars apiece. Autographed Patton photos can bring as much as $10,000.
What is the difference between Iron Cross 1st and 2nd class?
The Iron Cross 1st Class was a pin-on medal with no ribbon and was worn centered on a uniform breast pocket, either on dress uniforms or everyday outfit. It was a progressive award, with the second class having to be earned before the first class and so on for the higher degrees.
What is the most expensive war medal?
The Victoria Cross is the highest military decoration awarded for valour ‘in the face of the enemy’ and was introduced on 29 January 1856 by Queen Victoria to honour bravery during the Crimean War.
What is the highest German medal from WW2?
Although technically the Grand Cross of the Iron Cross, an award only given once, to Herman Goring who earned it not in combat, but for building the Luftwaffe , is the highest Nazi Germany award, the Knights Cross was for actual combat bravery the highest award for Germans in World War II.
What is the highest military honor in Germany?
The Pour le Merite, Germany’s Highest Military Honor. It was an incredibly rare thing to see it awarded to anyone below a General. Being awarded to a lowly Lieutenant in the Field was outright amazing. Rommel ’s amazing battle skills were honed in the First World War ,…
Does Germany celebrate WW2?
Germany is looking back on the end of World War II on May 8, 1945, known in many countries – where it is often a national holiday – as Victory in Europe Day. The main event was Friday morning in the Bundestag .
What was Germany’s military strategy in WW2?
World War II – World War II – German strategy, from 1943: From late 1942 German strategy, every feature of which was determined by Hitler, was solely aimed at protecting the still very large area under German control-most of Europe and part of North Africa-against a future Soviet onslaught on the Eastern Front and against future Anglo-U.S. offensives on the southern and western fronts.