[Lx]

He also handed around his Iron Cross. He said that it was a real Iron Cross, not like the ones given out by the Austrian Corporal.

That's weird, Hitler won two iron crosses, one 1st. class and one 2nd. class and they were both legit.

Maybe he means ones Hitler gave out during WWII since it does say, "...given out by the Austrian Corporal". There's no doubt that Hitler gave them out to reward people but most were earned.

You should have asked him why he didn't shoot the b**tard when he had the chance?

[RedMonqey]

He said that it was a real Iron Cross, not like the ones given out by the Austrian Corporal.

I interpreted his meaning the Iron Crosses awarded in "The Great War" were untainted compared to those awarded in WW2 to those soldiers who no doubt ranked an such an honor but were done in association with horrible war crimes.

Either directly or indirectly.

It was the old Gent's way of distancing his generation from the following generation's medal earners...

At least that's my take....

[Yorlik803]

For all his faults, Hitler earned those awards and after he was “Elected” chancellor didnt award himself any other medals.
The German military was very strict about who was given the Iron Cross at the beginning of the war. It was a high honor.