Hi all -

This is something I've puzzled about for years: In movies I often see German officers with a small ribbon attached to the second button of their tunics. It's usual red and white but I have also seen black and white ones. Not all wear one. I would like to know what the significance of it is.

It shows the soldier has been awarded the Iron Cross, 2nd Class. The medal's ribbon was worn on the second button of the uniform; only in a dress uniform would the ribbon with medal showing be worn.

A black and white ribbon is normally for the IC 2C, from WWI, while the red, white and black is from WWII. A soldier would have to be awarded the IC 2C before receiving the IC, 1st Class; and then there higher awards.

Wiki has a good write-up on the Iron Cross and its history.

Hope that helps.

Thanks, Duane, that explains it well.

You are welcome, Steve.

a lot of years back German friends of mine gave me this Iron Cross first class with the protective box. It also came with the ribbon you sew on your uniform. It belonged to the womans father.

Not only Officers and not only the Iron Cross other Ribbons were sewn there as well one example is the Frozen Meat Award (Eastern Front Campaign medal)

Das was der WurstenFruzen award...

Oh no Wurst Jokes they are funny!