Kulm Cross facts for kids
The Kulm Cross was a special award from Prussia, a powerful kingdom that was part of what is now Germany. It looked a lot like the famous Iron Cross medal. This award was created on December 4, 1813, by King Frederick William III of Prussia. He made it after a big battle called the Battle of Kulm.
Unlike some medals given for bravery, the Kulm Cross was not for a specific act of courage. Instead, it was given to soldiers who simply took part in the Battle of Kulm. Officers wore a silver version of the cross. Other soldiers, like NCOs and regular troops, wore a metal version. This cross was worn directly on their military uniforms and did not have a ribbon.
There was also a Russian version of this award. It looked exactly the same as the Prussian one in size and shape. The only difference was that the Russian cross did not have a date or the king's special symbol on it. Many soldiers were considered for this award. About 12,066 people were listed to receive it. However, only 7,131 soldiers actually got their award because they had to survive until 1816 to receive it.
Contents
What Was the Kulm Cross?
The Kulm Cross was a military decoration. It was given out by the Kingdom of Prussia. This award was a special version of the Iron Cross. The Iron Cross is one of the most famous military medals in German history.
Why Was It Created?
King Frederick William III created the Kulm Cross after the Battle of Kulm. This battle happened in 1813. It was an important fight during the Napoleonic Wars. The cross was a way to recognize all soldiers who fought in this specific battle.
How It Was Given Out
The Kulm Cross was unique because it wasn't given for being extra brave. It was given to everyone who participated in the Battle of Kulm. This meant that many soldiers received it.
- Officers: These were the leaders in the army. They received a Kulm Cross made of silver.
- Other Ranks: This included non-commissioned officers (NCOs) and regular soldiers. They received a Kulm Cross made of metal.
The cross was worn right on the soldier's uniform. It did not have a ribbon like many other medals.
The Russian Version
Russia also had its own version of the Kulm Cross. It looked exactly like the Prussian one. The Russian cross did not have the date of creation or the Prussian king's special symbol. Many Russian soldiers also received this award for their part in the battle.
Who Received This Award?
Many soldiers received the Kulm Cross. Here are a few notable people who were given this award:
- Władysław Grzegorz Branicki
- Leopold I of Belgium
- Aleksandr Mirkovich
- Ivan Nabokov
- Alexey Fyodorovich Orlov
