but later took command of a combined Prussian/Saxon field army). 1914 Grand Cross The Iron Cross was renewed again on 5 August 1914. There were five recipients of the 1914 Grand Cross in the First World War: Kaiser Wilhelm II Paul von Hindenburg, later also awarded the Star of the Grand Cross of the Iron Cross Erich Ludendorff Prince Leopold of Bavaria August von Mackensen 1939 Grand Cross Adolf Hitler reinstituted the Iron Cross as a German decoration in September 1939, with the Grand Cross again the highest grade (above the various classes of the Knight's Cross). Hermann Göring became the only recipient of the Grand Cross of the Iron Cross during World War II when it was awarded to him on 19 July 1940 for his role as the Supreme Commander of the Luftwaffe who led them to victory in the French campaign. A World War II version of the higher Star of the Grand Cross of the Iron Cross was devised, but never formally instituted or awarded. Following the Allied victory in May 1945, the United States Army seized the only known prototype, which is now a part of the collection of the Museum of the United States Military Academy (USMA) in West Point, New York. References External links Military awards and decorations of Prussia Military awards and decorations of Nazi Germany 1813 establishments in Prussia Awards established in 1914 Awards established in 1939 1870 establishments in Prussia 1914 establishments in Germany 1939 establishments in Germany Awards established in 1813