Prussia, State. An Iron Cross 1914 First Class Newly Listed handwritten message in black ink

handwritten message in black ink on the inside spread from Gefreiter Gerhard Haubold

he joined the Salem Cadets

Topping off at Midway Island on May 21

There is a good number of letters written home from this time

Prussia, State. An Iron Cross 1914 First Class Newly Listed handwritten message in black ink(Eisernes Kreuz 1914 1. Klasse). A cross patte of multi piece construction with a blackened iron core (magnetic) within a ribbed border; the obverse with a raised central W, with the re institution date 1914 in raised numbering on the lower arm, and the royal crown on the upper arm; vertical pinback, with a barrel hinge and a round wire catch; measuring 43. 30 mm (w) x 43. 43 mm (h); weighing 14. 8 grams; in good condition.