The Iron Cross: A History, 1813-1957 [Hardcover]

Gordon Williamson (Author)

Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Blandford Pr (February 1985)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0713714603
• ISBN-13: 978-0713714609
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,097,753 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE IRON CROSS, March 31, 2001

By 

E. Gaumann (NAPLES, FL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Iron Cross: A History, 1813-1957 (Hardcover)

This book, published in 1984, is one of the first to actually focus on a specific award. In this case it's the Iron Cross; a German award that is possibly the most recognizable medal in the world (along with the Purple Heart and, perhaps, the Medal of Honor).

Gordon Williamson has gone into great detail in researching the history and legacy of the Iron Cross. He relates well the history of the award, from it's inception in 1813, through 'the glory years' of 1914 and 1939. Included in the book are many pictures of awards and awardees along with information dealing with detecting fakes, and the traditons of the awarding of the Iron Cross.

Although the book is not large at 5.5" by 9" and 176 pages it includes many clear (b&w) pictures and a wealth of information that any militaria collector cannot do without.

Those who have any interest in militaria, German military history, medals and ribbons or uniforms will be happy to aquire this book and the information contained within.

Mr. Williamson, through the publication of this book, is recognized as one who has made the collecting of militaria in general, and Third Reich militaria in specific, a respectable, enjoyable and rewarding endeavor.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating and Interesting book about forgotten warriors, February 9, 2000

By 

historyone (Republic of Texas, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Iron Cross: A History, 1813-1957 (Hardcover)

A great book that tells the story of German Soldiers and Sailors who achieved the Iron Cross from the Napoleonic Era through the end of WWII and the forming of West Germany. The author did an excellent job of explaining the lives of these heroes of battle and how they earned the Iron Cross (Germany's Medal of Honor). From Von Buehler to Otto Skorzney all of the recipients had to face battle and overcome overwhelming odds. Some of the winners of the Iron Cross do not deserve it but you can tell who the real warriors are from those who are just petty imitation. Highly recommended to any military history and WWII enthusiast.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lt. Colonel Michael Burkert, December 16, 2001

By 

Michael L Burkert (Germany) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Iron Cross: A History, 1813-1957 (Hardcover)

This book is no longer in print, but is should be. A must for the collector and enthusiast. The author begins with the origins of the 1813 Iron Cross, which was first awarded during the Napoleonic Wars. Always interesting and difficult to put down. The book contains information provided by several World War II recipients of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. Fascinating read. Apolitical, it simply details some of the exploits of some very brave German soldiers, sailors and airmen (some non-Germans as well) who fought for their county, served the German Fatherland, and were given the gratitude of their nation in the form of a very special medal.