World News First 'iron crosses' awarded since World War II: German leader honors troops for Afghan bravery Published: Jul. 06, 2009, 10:47 p.m.

To their commander went the last German decoration of World War II: diamonds for the oak leaves (with swords) on his Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross. The voice continued : ...

The Iron Cross, which had fallen out of favor in 1918, was revived by the Nazis in 1939, albeit with a Nazi swastika embossed in the center of the medal's original simple black-and-silver design.