Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer

The Iron Cross Second Class was awarded for a single act of bravery in the face of the enemy that were above and beyond the call of duty.

This particular Iron Cross was awarded to 2nd Lt. Felice Figus of the 53rd Stormo. He received his first pilot's license at Elmas airport in Sardinia (currently the largest airport in Sardinia). Lt. Figus was a front line fighter pilot and saw extensive service in the North African campaign, the fight for Malta, spent 6 months on the Eastern front, flew during the Sicily campaign, and in Caselle Torinese (Turin Region) in 1943. Following his service during World War II, he continued his flying career becoming an airline captain from 1947 to 1952 working for Linee Aeree Italiane (LAI). LAI was a joint venture between TWA and the newly formed Italian government in 1947. In 1952 Figus joined Alitalia and became the chief pilot with the Italian flag carrier. During his flying career, Capt. Figus amassed over 28,000 flying hours.

 Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin Germany Type AWARDS-Medals & Ribbons Physical Description Iron Cross Second Class; black cross with a silver border; Obverse: embossed swastika in center; Reverse: embossed date "1939"; red, white and black striped silk ribbon. Dimensions 3-D (Cross): 4.6 x 0.5 x 6cm (1 13/16 x 3/16 x 2 3/8 in.)
3-D (Ribbon): 6.4 x 3.2 x 0.6cm (2 1/2 x 1 1/4 x 1/4 in.)
 Materials Steel
German Silver
Paint
Solder
 Inventory Number A20110384001 Credit Line Gift of the Figus Family, in memory of Capt. Felice Figus Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.