Finding information on the Iron Cross

Greetings and salutations, everyone. I come to you looking for some help. My grandfather was a bomber pilot during WW2 on the well-known Junkers-88. He was awarded several medals, one of which being Ordinul Steaua Republicii. He was also awarded the Iron Cross by the Germans for his services while we were on the Nazi side. Due to fear of the Communists, he actually THREW it out! My grandfather passed away when I was 7 and I'm affraid he took along with him a lot of information about the Iron Cross: when he was decorated, what class, etc.
Therefore, I come to you looking for guidance. What are the chances, you think, of me finding out more information about this? Where would I have to look? Basically all I have is a name.

Aviator Ion Mogaldea wrote a book in 1982 called "Insemnari dintr-un carnet de zbor" and my granfather is mentioned repeatedly. Mogaldea was part of his crew in some missions.

Thanks for your help.

If I were you I'd start with some of the German research groups. They have listings of award recipients all the way back to the Franco-Prussian War. Might not list foreign recipients, but its worth a look.

I don't have a link to any of them, but I've researched my family through them (I know my great-great grandfather fought in WWI, and there were others) and they have LONG lists. I think you can search alphabetically, and if I remember right they also list date of award.

How would I go about finding them? Google? I ask because I'm not even sure what I'm searching for Just plainly "ww2 german research groups"?

This post has been edited by fishbone on January 09, 2008 07:25 pm

Small scale foreign recipients of the EK (eg EK2, EK1) are very rarely mentioned on the Internet research groups. Perhaps you should try researching through the archives, because usually there is a list for the nominees. The Germans were very "bureaucratic" on these issues, so basically you may start by researching your grandpa's unit, then going in conjuction with the German unit A.O. where they flew, and afterwards researching the after-action reports for the particular unit. If he was awarded the EK, there should be a report stating that fact.

Good luck,

Al

PS - IMO your grandpa was awarded the EK2. I am stating that because you said he received only 1 piece. Once the EK2 was awarded, after the ceremony, usually the ribbon for EK2 was worn.

After the EK2, usually the EK1 came afterwards. The recipient was supposed to waer the ribbon to EK2 in conjuction to EK1.

After the EK1, there came the RK, and there are two usually met combos here:

1. Wear the EK2 ribbon, the EK1 on the chest, and the RK at the neck.
2. Wear the RK only, since that meant the recipient already has the lower classes of the EK.

PPS - The Grand Cross of the EK was only awarded once, to Hermann Goring.

This post has been edited by Alexei2102 on January 09, 2008 07:28 pm

Since I'm new to this I have to ask. By EK1 and EK2 are you referring to Eisernes Kreuz Class 1 and/or 2?
So I basically have to do the most research that I can on my end before even going to the archives, as there would be a load of information to comb through. What archives, or where, should I hit, or does this depend on the unit etc.


You know what, maybe I'll get lucky here so I'll just throw out a name, see if anyone recognizes it. Liciniu Blajan. He was 19 during the war, aviator as I've mentioned, he was also known as "vedeta blonda" amongs the men
Ring a bell for anyone?

My uncle is supposed to mail me my grandfather's aviator log, so hopefully that will bring new information.

This post has been edited by fishbone on January 09, 2008 07:38 pm

I live very close to G-ral Dan Stoian. He flew on Ju-88 ( Gr.5 Bdt.) mayby he remember pilot Adj. stag. Liciniu Blajan (he was in the same unit Gr 5Bdt). I will ask him how many missions need to be flown to get EK.

This post has been edited by Cantacuzino on January 09, 2008 09:31 pm

That would be awesome. ANY information would be more than welcome, as I have not gotten a chance to talk to my grandfather at all and my dad and his brother don't really recall a lot of details. What unit he flew with, etc. Great stuff Glad I joined this board, I knew you guys would help me out.

From the book "Pumnul Tarii" of G-ral Stoian Dan.

Yes, it does.

During the anti-Soviet war, in 1943, he was a pilot in Gr. 5 bomb., Esc. 79 bomb. He was involved in a couple of incidents. For example, on 16 Sept. 1943, he belly landed his Ju 88 A-4, near Bolshaya Lepetika, due to engine trepidations.

Drop me a note when you'll receive his log book (carnet de sbor). Perhaps we can find out more about his wartime career.

Gen. Dénes

P.S. He was the only Rumanian airman I found in official documents with the given (Christian) name Liciniu...

This post has been edited by Dénes on January 09, 2008 09:55 pm

In march '44 was part of Escadrila 77, Gr.5 Bdt. From the same book of Mr.Stoian




This post has been edited by Cantacuzino on January 09, 2008 09:43 pm

I think I found for what was your grandfather EK awarded.

On 24.04.1944 with his crew (Ju 88 nr 126) shot down one LAGG-5 at Carpiti village near prut river. The victory was omologated and atributed to all crew members. (source"Pumnul Tarii)

He was also awarded with Crucea "Serviciu Credincios" Cl. a II a cu spade on 9 mai 1944 by G-ral Ionescu Emanoil ( in the name of King Michael I)

And on 12 july '44 was awarded with Virtutea Aeronautica clasa "Crucea de Aur" by G-ral Gheorghiu Ermil and G-ral Inescu Emanoil.




This post has been edited by Cantacuzino on January 09, 2008 10:19 pm

Posible to be one of 28 airmen from Gr.5 Bdt. awarded on 13 august '44 with EK 2 by Col. von Linssingen

Before the Nazi Iron Cross First Class could be awarded the recipient had to have received the Iron Cross II Class, if the deed merited a First Class, the Second Class could be recommend, and awarded at the same time as the First Class.

Its doubtful if your Grandfather would have been awarded higher than a first, because that would be a Knights Cross, with the same regulations applying II Class, Ist Class, etc.. etc..

Kevin in Deva.

The Republic Star Order you mentioned was awarded to him by the Communist state.