The Iron Cross was a military decoration of the Kingdom of Prussia, later the German Empire, the Third Reich and present-day Germany, by King Frederick William III, first awarded in 1813 and last awarded in 1945.
It was a great military honor, symbolizing bravery, courage, and honor. It was designed by the architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel, inspired by the cross used by the Teutonic knights of the 14th century, and which was also the symbol of Frederick the Great.
At the end of World War II, the use of Nazi symbols was forbidden by law, including the iron cross with the swastika. After that time, as an alternative, WWII veterans were granted a replica, with the swastika replaced by a branch of oak leaves.
Meaning of Iron Cross Tattoo:
- Military decoration
- War
- Bravery
- Courage
- Honor
Here are some images of Iron Cross tattoos:
English 
Portuguese 
German 
French 
Spanish 
Polish