Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class Awards in 1940
 

During the Battle of France in 1940, does anyone know how many victories a fighter pilot had to score to be awarded the Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse (Iron Cross 2nd Class) and how many victories a pilot would have to claim to be awarded the Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse (Iron Cross 1st Class). Perhaps someone has a document grouping from this period along with a pilot's Flugbuch that would reveal what was required. Also, would it be possible for a Gruppenkommandeur (Group Commander) to receive both of these awards in 1940 without having claimed any victories himself? Thanks in advance!

Barry

Re: Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class Awards in 1940
 

Barry,

To keep this thread alive I can mention that in terms of unit commanders, i.e. Gruppenkommodore, Geschwaderkommodore etc. awards were bestowed based on unit performance rather than acutal aerial victories (although not across the board) even though the unit commanders were still flying sorties. Case in point I have the Wehrpas of Cramon Taubadel, GK of JG53, he took over command of the unit in January 1940 and was awarded the EK2 15 Feb 40 and the EK1 18 May 1940. At least the EK1 was awarded based on unit performance as was potentially the EK2 although CT did have at least one victory up to this point.

Criteria for pilots below these positions were likely based on a combination of pure aerial victories and/or success against ground targets.

Jeremy

Re: Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class Awards in 1940
 

Early in the war at least, Jagdflieger appear to have been awarded the EK II immediately after their first Abschuss.

Regards,
Tom