Germany, Imperial. A 1914 Iron Cross I Class Republic of Private First Class Austin resolutely

Private First Class Austin resolutely threw himself between the casualty and the hostile soldier and

weighing 119 grams

reverse centre with white enameled medallion featuring motto of Leopold II OPES REGUM CORDA SUBDITORUM (The Power Of Rulers Lies In The Hears Of Their Subjects)

and the only United States military decoration that may be issued in degrees (much like an order of chivalry or certain Orders of Merit)

Footnote: Herbert Joachim Rieckhoff was born on December 25

Germany, Imperial. A 1914 Iron Cross I Class Republic of Private First Class Austin resolutely(Eisernes Kreuz 1914 I. Klasse). Reinstituted 5 August 1914 by Kaiser Wilhelm II. (1914 1918 issue). Constructed of iron and silver, consisting of a vaulted Cross Patte with a blackened magnetic iron core within a ribbed silver frame, the obverse with a central initial W, the six oclock arm with a reinstitution date of 1914, the twelve oclock arm with a royal crown, the reverse with block hinge and banjo style pinback meeting a round wire catch,