1870 ekii

[ObKrieger]

Approximately 4 million EKII's, and 145,000 EKI's were awarded in WWI.
and approx. 4.5 million EKII's, and 300,000 EKI's awarded in WWII.

I know this may not be that accurate, and I have more
precise figures around somewhere.........!

Thanks!

I wonder why twice as many EKI's were awarded in WWII? Perhaps it was just because of the large number of WWI veteran EKII holders who earned the First class during the Third Reich era?

[Walkwolf]

Probably several reasons, but I think if you give someone a medal,
it is easier to get them - and others around them, to believe in
your cause. I have read that they were handed out with
more frequency as the situation worsened..........

[ObKrieger]

Probably several reasons, but I think if you give someone a medal,
it is easier to get them - and others around them, to believe in
your cause. I have read that they were handed out with
more frequency as the situation worsened..........

That was portrayed pretty well in a couple of scenes in 'Downfall'. I know there is one part where a battered squad of German soldiers is sitting around while their commander is quickly handing out EKII's to a bunch of people.