List of Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross recipients

The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross (German: Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) and its variants were the highest awards in the military of the Third Reich. Recipients are grouped by grades of the Knight's Cross. Within each grade the recipients are ordered chronologically. An exception is the lowest grade, here the recipients are ordered alphabetically by last name. The rank listed is the recipient's rank at the time the Knight's Cross was awarded. Broken out into sub lists are the recipients of the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves, one list for every year between 1940 and 1945 the award was presented. Also listed separately are the alphabetical lists of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross recipients. The foreign recipients of the Knight's Cross and the foreign recipients of the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves are listed separately as well.

The last legal presentation of the Knight's Cross, in any of its grades, had to be made before 23:01 Central European Time 8 May 1945, the time when the German surrender became effective. A number of presentations were made after this date, the last on 17 June 1945. These late presentations are considered de facto but not de jure awards. In 1986, the Association of Knight's Cross Recipients (AKCR) acknowledged 7,321 presentations made to the members of the three military branches of the Wehrmacht—the Heer (Army), Kriegsmarine (Navy) and Luftwaffe (Air Force)—as well as the Waffen-SS, the Reichsarbeitsdienst (RAD—Reich Labour Service) and the Volkssturm (German national militia). There were also 43 recipients in the military forces of allies of the Third Reich for a total of 7,364 recipients.[1] Analysis of the German Federal Archives revealed evidence for 7,161 officially—de facto and de jure—bestowed recipients, including one additional presentation previously unidentified by the AKCR.[2] The AKCR names 890 recipients of the Oak Leaves to the Knight's Cross, including the eight recipients who served in the military forces of allies of the Third Reich. The German Federal Archives do not substantiate 27 of these Oak Leaves recipients. The Swords to the Knight's Cross were awarded 160 times according to the AKCR, among them the posthumous presentation to the Japanese Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, 13 of which cannot be supported by the German Federal Archives. The Diamonds to the Knight's Cross were awarded 27 times, all of which are verifiable in the German Federal Archives. The final grade, the Golden Oak Leaves to the Knight's Cross was verifiably awarded once to Hans-Ulrich Rudel on 29 December 1944.

  This along with the + (plus) indicates that a higher grade of Knight's Cross was awarded as well.
  This along with the * (asterisk), indicates that the Knight's Cross was awarded posthumously.
  This along with the ? (question mark) indicates that historian Veit Scherzer has expressed doubt regarding the veracity and formal correctness of the listing.

Background

The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross and its higher grades were based on four separate enactments. The first enactment, Reichsgesetzblatt I S. 1573 of 1 September 1939 instituted the Iron Cross (Eisernes Kreuz), the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross and the Grand Cross of the Iron Cross (Großkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes). Article 2 of the enactment mandated that the award of a higher class be preceded by the award of all preceding classes.[3] As the war progressed, some of the recipients of the Knight's Cross distinguished themselves further and a higher grade, the Oak Leaves to the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, was instituted. The Oak Leaves, as they were commonly referred to, were based on the enactment Reichsgesetzblatt I S. 849 of 3 June 1940.[4] In 1941, two higher grades of the Knight's Cross were instituted. The enactment Reichsgesetzblatt I S. 613 of 28 September 1941 introduced the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub und Schwertern) and the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub, Schwertern und Brillanten).[5] At the end of 1944 the final grade, the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Golden Oak Leaves, Swords, and Diamonds (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit goldenem Eichenlaub, Schwertern und Brillanten), based on the enactment Reichsgesetzblatt 1945 I S. 11 of 29 December 1944, became the final variant of the Knight's Cross authorized.[6]

Grand Cross of the Iron Cross

The Grand Cross of the Iron Cross is based on the enactment Reichsgesetzblatt I S. 1573 of September 1, 1939 Verordnung über die Erneuerung des Eisernen Kreuzes (Regulation of the renewing of the Iron Cross). This grade was awarded only once. The sole recipient was Generalfeldmarschall Hermann Göring, who at the same time was promoted to Reichsmarschall.[7]

Number Name Service Rank Role and unit Date of award Notes
1 Hermann Göring Luftwaffe Generalfeldmarschall Reich Minister of Aviation and Commander-in-chief of the Luftwaffe[7] 19 July 1940 at the same time promoted to Reichsmarschall[7]

Knight's Cross with Golden Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds

The "Knight's Cross with Golden Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds" is based on the enactment Reichsgesetzblatt 1945 I S. 11 of 29 December 1944. This grade of the award was to be awarded twelve times only. The sole recipient was Oberstleutnant Hans-Ulrich Rudel.[8]

Number Name Service Rank Role and unit Date of award Notes
1 Hans-Ulrich Rudel Luftwaffe Oberstleutnant Geschwaderkommodore of Schlachtgeschwader 2 "Immelmann"[8] 29 December 1944 at the same time promoted to Oberst[8]

Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds

The "Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds" is based on the enactment Reichsgesetzblatt I S. 613 of 28 September 1941 to reward those servicemen who had already been awarded the Oak Leaves with Swords to the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. Ultimately, it would be awarded to only twenty-seven German soldiers, sailors and airmen, ranging from young fighter pilots to field marshals.[9]

Number Name Service Rank Role and unit Date of award Notes
1 Molders, WernerWerner Mölders Luftwaffe Oberst Geschwaderkommodore of Jagdgeschwader 51[10] 15 July 1941[Note 1]
—
2 Galland, AdolfAdolf Galland Luftwaffe Oberst Geschwaderkommodore of Jagdgeschwader 26 "Schlageter"[10] 28 January 1942
—
3 Gollob, GordonGordon Gollob Luftwaffe Major Geschwaderkommodore of Jagdgeschwader 77[10] 30 August 1942
—
4 Marseille, Hans-JoachimHans-Joachim Marseille Luftwaffe Oberleutnant Staffelkapitän of the 3./Jagdgeschwader 27[10] 3 September 1942
—
5 Graf, HermannHermann Graf Luftwaffe Oberleutnant of the Reserves Staffelkapitän of the 9./Jagdgeschwader 52[10] 16 September 1942
—
6 Rommel, ErwinErwin Rommel Heer Generalfeldmarschall Commander-in-chief of Deutsches Afrika Korps[10] 11 March 1943
—
7 Luth, WolfgangWolfgang Lüth Kriegsmarine Korvettenkapitän Commander of U-181[10] 9 August 1943
—
8 Nowotny, WalterWalter Nowotny Luftwaffe Hauptmann Gruppenkommandeur of the I./Jagdgeschwader 54[12] 19 October 1943
—
9 Schulz, AdelbertAdelbert Schulz Heer Oberst Commander of Panzer-Regiment 25[12] 14 December 1943
—
10 Rudel, Hans-UlrichHans-Ulrich Rudel+ Luftwaffe Major Gruppenkommandeur of the III./Schlachtgeschwader 2 "Immelmann"[12] 29 March 1944 Awarded 1st Golden Oak Leaves 29 December 1944
11 Strachwitz von Gross-Zauche und Camminetz, Hyazinth GrafHyazinth Graf Strachwitz von Gross-Zauche und Camminetz Heer Oberst Commander of a Panzer Group in the Heeresgruppe Nord[12] 15 April 1944 at the same time promoted to Generalmajor[12]
12 Gille, Herbert OttoHerbert Otto Gille Waffen-SS SS-Gruppenführer and Generalleutnant of the Waffen-SS Commander of 5. SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Wiking"[12] 19 April 1944
—
13 Hube, HansHans Hube Heer General der Panzertruppe Commander of 1. Panzerarmee[12] 20 April 1944 at the same time promoted to Generaloberst[12]
14 Kesselring, AlbertAlbert Kesselring Luftwaffe Generalfeldmarschall OB Süd (Heeresgruppe C)[12] 19 July 1944
—
15 Lent, HelmutHelmut Lent Luftwaffe Oberstleutnant Geschwaderkommodore of Nachtjagdgeschwader 3[12] 31 July 1944
—
16 Dietrich, JosefJosef Dietrich Waffen-SS SS-Oberstgruppenführer and Generaloberst of the Waffen-SS Commanding general of I. SS-Panzerkorps ""Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler"[12][Note 2] 6 August 1944
—
17 Model, WalterWalter Model Heer Generalfeldmarschall Commander in chief of Heeresgruppe Mitte[12] 17 August 1944
—
18 Hartmann, ErichErich Hartmann Luftwaffe Oberleutnant Staffelkapitän of the 9./Jagdgeschwader 52[12] 25 August 1944
—
19 Balck, HermannHermann Balck Heer General der Panzertruppe Acting commander of 4. Panzerarmee[12] 31 August 1944
—
20 Ramcke, Hermann-BernhardHermann-Bernhard Ramcke Luftwaffe Generalleutnant Commander of fortress Brest[14] 19 September 1944
—
21 Schnaufer, Heinz-WolfgangHeinz-Wolfgang Schnaufer Luftwaffe Hauptmann Gruppenkommandeur of the IV./Nachtjagdgeschwader 1[14] 16 October 1944
—
22 Brandi, AlbrechtAlbrecht Brandi Kriegsmarine Korvettenkapitän Commander of U-967[14] 24 November 1944
—
23 Schorner, FerdinandFerdinand Schörner Heer Generaloberst Commander-in-chief of Heeresgruppe Nord[14] 1 January 1945
—
24 Manteuffel, Hasso-Eccard vonHasso-Eccard von Manteuffel Heer General der Panzertruppe Commander-in-chief of 5. Panzerarmee[14] 18 February 1945
—
25 Tolsdorff, TheodorTheodor Tolsdorff Heer Generalmajor Commander of 340. Volks-Grenadier-Division[14] 18 March 1945
—
26 Mauss, Dr. med. dent. KarlDr. med. dent. Karl Mauss Heer Generalleutnant Commander of 7. Panzer-Division[14] 15 April 1945
—
27 Saucken, Dietrich vonDietrich von Saucken Heer General der Panzertruppe Commander-in-chief of Armeeoberkommando East Prussia[14] 8 May 1945
—
Rank on day of award Heer Waffen-SS Kriegsmarine Luftwaffe Foreigners Totals
Generalfeldmarschall / Großadmiral 2 1 3
Generaloberst / Generaladmiral 1 1 2
General der Infanterie etc. / Admiral 4 4
Generalleutnant / Vizeadmiral 1 1 1 3
Generalmajor / Konteradmiral 1 1
Oberst / Kapitän zur See 2 2 4
Oberstleutnant / Fregattenkapitän 1 1
Major / Korvettenkapitän 2 2 4
Hauptmann / Kapitänleutnant 2 2
Oberleutnant / Oberleutnant zur See 3 3
Totals 11 2 2 12 27

Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords

Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords
Year   Number of presentations Posthumous presentations
1941
5
0
1942
18
1
1943
20
2
1944
76
10
1945
41
2

The "Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords" is also based on the enactment Reichsgesetzblatt I S. 613 of 28 September 1941 to reward those servicemen who had already been awarded the Oak Leaves to the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. The sequential numbers greater than 143 are unofficial and were assigned by the Association of Knight's Cross Recipients (AKCR) and therefore denoted in brackets.[15] The number of the 160 Sword recipients is based on the analysis and acceptance of the order commission of the (AKCR).[16] Author and historian Veit Scherzer has challenged the validity of 13 of these listings.[2] The majority—12 recipients—of these disputed recipients have received the award in 1945. The deteriorating situation of the Third Reich during the final days of World War II has left the nominations unfinished in various stages of the approval process. Hermann Fegelein had received the Oak Leaves in 1942 but was sentenced to death by Adolf Hitler and executed by SS-Gruppenführer Johann Rattenhuber's Reichssicherheitsdienst (RSD) on 28 April 1945 after a court martial led by SS-Brigadeführer and Generalmajor of the Waffen-SS Wilhelm Mohnke. The sentence was carried out the same day. The death sentence, according to German law, resulted in the loss of all orders and honorary signs.[17]

No. Name Service Rank Role and unit Date of award Notes
1 Galland, AdolfAdolf Galland+ Luftwaffe Oberstleutnant Geschwaderkommodore of Jagdgeschwader 26 "Schlageter"[18] 21 June 1941 Awarded 2nd Diamonds 28 January 1942
2 Molders, WernerWerner Mölders+ Luftwaffe Major Geschwaderkommodore of Jagdgeschwader 51[18] 22 June 1941 Awarded 1st Diamonds 15 July 1941
3 Oesau, WalterWalter Oesau Luftwaffe Hauptmann Gruppenkommandeur of the III./Jagdgeschwader 3[18] 15 July 1941[Note 3]
—
4 Lutzow, GuntherGünther Lützow Luftwaffe Major Geschwaderkommodore of Jagdgeschwader 3[18] 11 October 1941
—
5 Kretschmer, OttoOtto Kretschmer Kriegsmarine Korvettenkapitän Commander of U-99[18] 26 December 1941
—
6 Rommel, ErwinErwin Rommel+ Heer General der Panzertruppe Commander of Panzergruppe Afrika[18] 20 January 1942 Awarded 6th Diamonds 11 March 1943
7 Bar, HeinrichHeinrich Bär Luftwaffe Hauptmann[Note 4] Staffelkapitän of the 1./Jagdgeschwader 51 "Mölders"[18] 16 February 1942
—
8 Philipp, HansHans Philipp Luftwaffe Hauptmann Gruppenkommandeur of the I./Jagdgeschwader 54[18] 12 March 1942
—
9 Ihlefeld, HerbertHerbert Ihlefeld Luftwaffe Hauptmann Gruppenkommandeur of the I./Jagdgeschwader 77[18] 24 April 1942
—
10 Ostermann, Max-HellmuthMax-Hellmuth Ostermann Luftwaffe Oberleutnant Staffelkapitän of the 7./Jagdgeschwader 54[18] 17 May 1942
—
11 Graf, HermannHermann Graf+ Luftwaffe Leutnant of the Reserves Staffelkapitän of the 9./Jagdgeschwader 52[18] 19 May 1942[Note 5] Awarded 5th Diamonds 16 September 1942
12 Marseille, Hans-JoachimHans-Joachim Marseille+ Luftwaffe Oberleutnant Staffelkapitän of the 3./Jagdgeschwader 27[18] 18 June 1942 Awarded 4th Diamonds 3 September 1942
13 Gollob, GordonGordon Gollob+ Luftwaffe Hauptmann Geschwaderkommodore of Jagdgeschwader 77[22] 23 June 1942 Awarded 3rd Diamonds 30 August 1942
14 Steinbatz, LeopoldLeopold Steinbatz Luftwaffe Oberfeldwebel pilot in the 9./Jagdgeschwader 52[22] 23 June 1942* Killed in action 15 June 1942[23]
15 Kesselring, AlbertAlbert Kesselring+ Luftwaffe Generalfeldmarschall OB Süd[22] 18 July 1942 Awarded 14th Diamonds 19 July 1944
16 Baumbach, WernerWerner Baumbach Luftwaffe Hauptmann Gruppenkommandeur of the I./Kampfgeschwader 30[22] 17 August 1942[Note 6]
—
17 Topp, ErichErich Topp Kriegsmarine Kapitänleutnant Commander of U-552[22] 17 August 1942
—
18 Suhren, ReinhardReinhard Suhren Kriegsmarine Kapitänleutnant Commander of U-564[22] 1 September 1942
—
19 Muncheberg, JoachimJoachim Müncheberg Luftwaffe Hauptmann Deputy Geschwaderkommodore of Jagdgeschwader 51 "Mölders"[22] 9 September 1942
—
20 Helbig, JoachimJoachim Helbig Luftwaffe Hauptmann Gruppenkommandeur of the I. (Kampf)/Lehrgeschwader 1[22] 28 September 1942
—
21 Eibl, KarlKarl Eibl Heer Generalmajor Commander of 385. Infanterie-Division[22] 19 December 1942
—
22 Hube, HansHans Hube+ Heer Generalleutnant Commanding general of the XIV. Panzerkorps[22] 21 December 1942 Awarded 13th Diamonds 20 April 1944
23 Wilcke, Wolf-DietrichWolf-Dietrich Wilcke Luftwaffe Major Geschwaderkommodore of Jagdgeschwader 3 "Udet"[22] 23 December 1942
—
24 Druschel, AlfredAlfred Druschel Luftwaffe Hauptmann Deputy Gruppenkommandeur of the I./Schlachtgeschwader 1[22] 19 February 1943
—
25 Balck, HermannHermann Balck+ Heer Generalleutnant Commander of 11. Panzer-Division[22] 4 March 1943 Awarded 19th Diamonds 31 August 1944
26 Dietrich, JosefJosef Dietrich+ Waffen-SS SS-Obergruppenführer and General of the Waffen-SS Commander of SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler"[22] 14 March 1943 Awarded 16th Diamonds 6 August 1944
27 Strachwitz von Gross-Zauche und Camminetz, Hyazinth GrafHyazinth Graf Strachwitz von Gross-Zauche und Camminetz+ Heer Oberst of the Reserves Commander of Panzer-Regiment "Großdeutschland"[25] 28 March 1943 Awarded 11th Diamonds 15 April 1944
28 Model, WalterWalter Model+ Heer Generaloberst Commander-in-chief of 9. Armee[25] 2 April 1943 Awarded 17th Diamonds 17 August 1944
29 Luth, WolfgangWolfgang Lüth+ Kriegsmarine Kapitänleutnant Commander of U-181[25] 25 April 1943 Awarded 7th Diamonds 9 August 1943
30 Gorn, WalterWalter Gorn Heer Oberst Commander of Panzergrenadier-Regiment 10[25] 8 June 1943
—
31 Peltz, DietrichDietrich Peltz Luftwaffe Oberst im Generalstab Angriffsführer England[25] 23 July 1943
—
32 Lent, HelmutHelmut Lent+ Luftwaffe Major Gruppenkommandeur of the IV./Nachtjagdgeschwader 1[25] 2 August 1943 Awarded 15th Diamonds 31 July 1944
33 Schulz, AdelbertAdelbert Schulz+ Heer Oberstleutnant Commander of Panzer-Regiment 25[25] 6 August 1943 Awarded 9th Diamonds 14 December 1943
34 Rall, GüntherGünther Rall Luftwaffe Hauptmann Gruppenkommandeur of the III./Jagdgeschwader 52[25] 12 September 1943
—
35 Hoth, HermannHermann Hoth Heer Generaloberst Commander-in-chief of 4. Panzerarmee[25] 15 September 1943
—
36 Harpe, JosefJosef Harpe Heer General der Panzertruppe Commanding general of XXXXI Panzerkorps[25] 15 September 1943
—
37 Nowotny, WalterWalter Nowotny+ Luftwaffe Hauptmann Gruppenkommandeur of the I./Jagdgeschwader 54[25] 22 September 1943 Awarded 8th Diamonds 19 October 1943
38 Gazen, called von Gaza, Waldemar vonWaldemar von Gazen, called von Gaza Heer Major Leader of Panzergrenadier-Regiment 66[25] 3 October 1943
—
39 Dieckmann, AugustAugust Dieckmann Waffen-SS SS-Obersturmbannführer Commander of SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 10 "Westland"[26] 10 October 1943* Killed in action 10 October 1943[27]
40 Kluge, Günther Hans vonGünther Hans von Kluge Heer Generalfeldmarschall Commander-in-chief of Heeresgruppe Mitte[25] 29 October 1943
—
41 Schwerin, Gerhard Graf vonGerhard Graf von Schwerin Heer Generalmajor Commander of 16. Panzergrenadier-Division[25] 4 November 1943
—
42 Rudel, Hans-UlrichHans-Ulrich Rudel+ Luftwaffe Hauptmann Gruppenkommandeur of the III./Sturzkampfgeschwader 2 "Immelmann"[25][Note 7] 25 November 1943 Awarded 10th Diamonds 29 March 1944
1st Golden Oak Leaves 29 December 1944
43 Herrmann, HajoHajo Herrmann Luftwaffe Oberst Inspekteur der deutschen Luftverteidigung[29][Note 8] 23 January 1944
—
44 Sayn-Wittgenstein, Heinrich Prinz zuHeinrich Prinz zu Sayn-Wittgenstein Luftwaffe Major Geschwaderkommodore of Nachtjagdgeschwader 2[29] 23 January 1944* Killed in action 21 January 1944[31]
45 Barenfanger, ErichErich Bärenfänger Heer Major Commander of the III./Grenadier-Regiment. 123[29] 23 January 1944
—
46 Saucken, Dietrich vonDietrich von Saucken+ Heer Generalleutnant Commander of 4. Panzer-Division[29] 31 January 1944 Awarded 27th Diamonds 8 May 1945
47 Gille, Herbert OttoHerbert Otto Gille+ Waffen-SS SS-Gruppenführer and Generalleutnant of the Waffen-SS Commander of SS-Panzergrenadier Division "Wiking"[29] 20 February 1944 Awarded 12th Diamonds 19 April 1944
48 Breith, HermannHermann Breith Heer General der Panzertruppe Commanding general of III. Panzerkorps[29] 21 February 1944
—
49 Bake, Dr. med.dent. FranzDr. med.dent. Franz Bäke Heer Oberstleutnant of the Reserves Commander of Panzer-Regiment 11[29] 21 February 1944
—
50 Manteuffel, Hasso-Eccard vonHasso-Eccard von Manteuffel+ Heer Generalleutnant Commander of 7. Panzer-Division[29] 22 February 1944 Awarded 24th Diamonds 18 February 1945
51 Mayer, EgonEgon Mayer Luftwaffe Oberstleutnant Geschwaderkommodore of Jagdgeschwader 2 "Richthofen"[29] 2 March 1944* Killed in action 2 March 1944[32]
52 Barkhorn, GerhardGerhard Barkhorn Luftwaffe Hauptmann Gruppenkommandeur of the II./Jagdgeschwader 52[29] 2 March 1944
—
53 Griesbach, FranzFranz Griesbach Heer Oberst Commander of Grenadier-Regiment 399[29] 6 March 1944
—
54 Streib, WernerWerner Streib Luftwaffe Major Geschwaderkommodore of Nachtjagdgeschwader 1[29] 11 March 1944
—
55 Heidrich, RichardRichard Heidrich Luftwaffe Generalleutnant Commander of 1. Fallschirmjäger-Division[29] 25 March 1944
—
56 Schuldt, HinrichHinrich Schuldt Waffen-SS SS-Oberführer Commander of 2. lett. SS-Freiwilligen-Brigade[29] 25 March 1944* Killed in action 15 March 1944[33]
57 Postel, Georg-WilhelmGeorg-Wilhelm Postel Heer Generalleutnant Commander of 320. Infanterie-Division[29] 26 March 1944
—
58 Wietersheim, Wend vonWend von Wietersheim Heer Generalmajor Commander of 11. Panzer-Division[29] 26 March 1944
—
59 Lewinski, called von Manstein, Erich vonErich von Lewinski, called von Manstein Heer Generalfeldmarschall Commander-in-chief of Heeresgruppe Süd[34] 30 March 1944
—
60 Kleist, Paul Ludwig Ewald vonPaul Ludwig Ewald von Kleist Heer Generalfeldmarschall Commander-in-chief of Heeresgruppe A[34] 30 March 1944
—
61 Boerst, AlwinAlwin Boerst Luftwaffe Major Gruppenkommandeur of the I./Schlachtgeschwader 2 "Immelmann"[34] 6 April 1944* Killed in action 30 March 1944[35]
62 Kupfer, Dr. jur. ErnstDr. jur. Ernst Kupfer Luftwaffe Oberst former Geschwaderkommodore of Sturzkampfgeschwader 2[34] 11 April 1944* Killed in flying accident 6 November 1943[36]
63 Kreysing, HansHans Kreysing Heer General der Gebirgstruppe Commanding general of XVII. Armeekorps[34] 13 April 1944
—
64 Jordan, HansHans Jordan Heer General der Infanterie Commanding general of VI. Armeekorps[34] 20 April 1944
—
65 Priess, HermannHermann Prieß Waffen-SS SS-Brigadeführer and Generalmajor of the Waffen-SS Commander of 3. SS-Panzer Division "Totenkopf"[34] 24 April 1944
—
66 Brandi, AlbrechtAlbrecht Brandi+ Kriegsmarine Kapitänleutnant Commander of U-380[34] 9 May 1944 Awarded 22nd Diamonds 24 November 1944
67 Heilmann, LudwigLudwig Heilmann Luftwaffe Oberst Commander of Fallschirmjäger-Regiment 3[34] 15 May 1944
—
68 Reinhardt, Georg-HansGeorg-Hans Reinhardt Heer Generaloberst Commander-in-chief of 3. Panzerarmee[34] 26 May 1944
—
69 Niemack, HorstHorst Niemack Heer Oberst Commander of Panzer-Füsilier-Regiment "Großdeutschland"[34] 4 June 1944
—
70 Konig, AlfonsAlfons König Heer Oberstleutnant of the Reserves Commander of Grenadier-Regiment 199 "List"[34] 9 June 1944
—
71 Wittmann, MichaelMichael Wittmann Waffen-SS SS-Hauptsturmführer Chief of the 2./schwere SS-Panzer-Abteilung 501[34][Note 9] 22 June 1944 Killed in action 8 August 1944[34]
72 Dietl, EduardEduard Dietl Heer Generaloberst Commander-in-chief of 20. Gebirgsarmee[34] 1 July 1944* Killed in flying accident 23 June 1944[13]
73 Priller, JosefJosef Priller Luftwaffe Oberstleutnant Geschwaderkommodore of Jagdgeschwader 26 "Schlageter"[34] 2 July 1944
—
74 Lang, FriedrichFriedrich Lang Luftwaffe Major Gruppenkommandeur of the III./Schlachtgeschwader 1[34] 2 July 1944
—
75 Hartmann, ErichErich Hartmann+ Luftwaffe Oberleutnant Staffelkapitän of the 9./Jagdgeschwader 52[34] 2 July 1944 Awarded 18th Diamonds 25 August 1944
76 Luttwitz, Smilo Freiherr vonSmilo Freiherr von Lüttwitz Heer Generalleutnant Commander of 26. Panzer-Division[38] 4 July 1944
—
77 Dorr, HansHans Dorr Waffen-SS SS-Sturmbannführer Commander of SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 9 "Germania"[38] 9 July 1944 Died of wounds 17 April 1945[38]
78 Hackl, AntonAnton Hackl Luftwaffe Major Gruppenkommandeur of the III./Jagdgeschwader 11[38] 9 July 1944[Note 10]
—
79 Stahel, ReinerReiner Stahel Heer Generalmajor Commander of Fester Platz Wilna[38] 18 July 1944
—
80 Tolsdorff, TheodorTheodor Tolsdorff+ Heer Oberstleutnant Commander of Grenadier-Regiment 1067 and leader of a Kampfgruppe[38] 18 July 1944 Awarded 25th Diamonds 18 March 1945
81 Bayerlein, FritzFritz Bayerlein Heer Generalleutnant Commander of Panzer-Lehr-Division[38] 20 July 1944
—
82 Steinhoff, JohannesJohannes Steinhoff Luftwaffe Oberstleutnant Geschwaderkommodore of Jagdgeschwader 77[38] 28 July 1944
—
83 Fegelein, HermannHermann Fegelein?[Note 11] Waffen-SS SS-Gruppenführer Commander of 8. SS-Freiwilligen-Kavallerie-Division "Florian Geyer"[38] 30 July 1944
—
84 Schnaufer, Heinz-WolfgangHeinz-Wolfgang Schnaufer+ Luftwaffe Hauptmann Gruppenkommandeur of the IV./Nachtjagdgeschwader 1[38] 30 July 1944[Note 12] Awarded 21st Diamonds 16 October 1944
85 Scholz Edler von Rarancze, Fritz vonFritz von Scholz Edler von Rarancze Waffen-SS SS-Gruppenführer Commander of 11. SS-Freiwilligen-Panzergrenadier Division "Nordland"[38] 8 August 1944* Killed in action 28 July 1944[43]
86 Steiner, FelixFelix Steiner Waffen-SS SS-Obergruppenführer and General of the Waffen-SS Commanding general of III. germanische SS-Panzerkorps[38] 10 August 1944
—
87 Fries, WalterWalter Fries Heer Generalleutnant Commander of 29. Panzergrenadier Division[38] 11 August 1944
—
88 Buhligen, KurtKurt Bühligen Luftwaffe Major Geschwaderkommodore of Jagdgeschwader 2 "Richthofen"[38] 14 August 1944
—
89 Mayer, Dr. rer. pol., Dr. Ing. JohannesDr. rer. pol., Dr. Ing. Johannes Mayer Heer Generalleutnant Commander of 329. Infanterie-Division[38] 23 August 1944
—
90 Hausser, PaulPaul Hausser Waffen-SS SS-Oberstgruppenführer and Generaloberst of the Waffen-SS Commander-in-chief of 7. Armee[38] 28 August 1944
—
91 Meyer, KurtKurt Meyer Waffen-SS SS-Standartenführer Commander of 12. SS-Panzer-Division "Hitlerjugend"[44] 27 August 1944
—
92 Greim, Robert Ritter vonRobert Ritter von Greim Luftwaffe Generaloberst Commander-in-chief of Luftflotte 6[44] 28 August 1944[Note 13]
—
93 Schorner, FerdinandFerdinand Schörner+ Heer Generaloberst Commander-in-chief of Heeresgruppe Nord[44] 28 August 1944 Awarded 23rd Diamonds 1 January 1945
94 Wisch, TheodorTheodor Wisch Waffen-SS SS-Brigadeführer and Generalmajor of the Waffen-SS Commander of 1. SS-Panzer Division "Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler"[44] 30 August 1944
—
95 Baum, OttoOtto Baum Waffen-SS SS-Standartenführer Commander of 2. SS-Panzer Division "Das Reich"[44] 2 September 1944
—
96 Kroh, HansHans Kroh Luftwaffe Oberst Leader of 2. Fallschirmjäger-Division[44] 12 September 1944
—
97 Wegener, WilhelmWilhelm Wegener Heer General der Infanterie Commanding general of L. Armeekorps[44] 17 September 1944
—
98 Nordmann, TheodorTheodor Nordmann Luftwaffe Major Gruppenkommandeur of the II./Schlachtgeschwader 1[44] 17 September 1944
—
99 Ramcke, Hermann-BernhardHermann-Bernhard Ramcke+ Luftwaffe Generalleutnant Commander of fortress Brest[44] 19 September 1944 Awarded 20th Diamonds 19 September 1944
100 Knobelsdorff, Otto vonOtto von Knobelsdorff Heer General der Panzertruppe Commanding general of XXXX. Panzerkorps[44] 21 September 1944
—
101 Mauss, Dr. med. dent. KarlDr. med. dent. Karl Mauss+ Heer Generalmajor Commander of 7. Panzer-Division[44] 23 October 1944 Awarded 26th Diamonds 15 April 1945
102 Ziegler, WernerWerner Ziegler Heer Major Leader of Grenadier-Regiment 186[44] 23 October 1944
—
103 Fessmann, FritzFritz Feßmann Heer Hauptmann of the Reserves Commander of Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 5[44] 23 October 1944* Killed in action 11 October 1944[46]
104 Recknagel, HermannHermann Recknagel Heer General der Infanterie Commanding general of XXXXII. Armeekorps[44] 23 October 1944
—
105 Edelsheim, Maximilian Reichsfreiherr vonMaximilian Reichsfreiherr von Edelsheim Heer Generalleutnant Commander of 24. Panzer-Division[44] 23 October 1944
—
106 Kallner, HansHans Källner Heer Generalleutnant Commander of 19. Panzer-Division[44] 23 October 1944
—
107 Mummert, WernerWerner Mummert Heer Oberst of the Reserves Commander of Panzergrenadier-Regiment 103[47] 23 October 1944
—
108 Wurmheller, JosefJosef Wurmheller Luftwaffe Hauptmann Gruppenkommandeur of the III./Jagdgeschwader 2 "Richthofen"[47] 24 October 1944* Killed in action 22 June 1944[48]
109 Hohn, Dr. rer. pol. HermannDr. rer. pol. Hermann Hohn Heer Generalmajor Commander of 72. Infanterie-Division[47] 31 October 1944
—
110 Obstfelder, Hans vonHans von Obstfelder Heer General der Infanterie Commanding general of LXXXVI. Armeekorps[47] 5 November 1944
—
111 Baade, Ernst-GüntherErnst-Günther Baade Heer Generalleutnant Commander of 90. Panzergrenadier Division[47] 16 November 1944
—
112 Schulz, Karl-LotharKarl-Lothar Schulz Luftwaffe Oberst Leader of 1. Fallschirmjäger-Division[47] 18 November 1944
—
113 Kittel, OttoOtto Kittel Luftwaffe Oberleutnant Staffelkapitän of the 2./Jagdgeschwader 54[47] 25 November 1944
—
114 Boeselager, Georg Freiherr vonGeorg Freiherr von Boeselager Heer Oberstleutnant Leader of 3. Kavallerie-Brigade[47] 28 November 1944* Killed in action 26 August 1944[35]
115 Weidling, HelmuthHelmuth Weidling Heer General der Artillerie Commanding general of XXXXI. Panzerkorps[47] 28 November 1944
—
116 Harmel, HeinzHeinz Harmel Waffen-SS SS-Brigadeführer and Generalmajor of the Waffen-SS Commander of 10. SS-Panzer Division "Frundsberg"[49] 15 December 1944
—
117 Herr, TraugottTraugott Herr Heer General der Panzertruppe Commanding general of LXXVI. Panzerkorps[47] 18 December 1944
—
118 Reinhardt, Alfred-HermannAlfred-Hermann Reinhardt Heer Generalleutnant Commander of 98. Infanterie-Division[47] 24 December 1944
—
119 Peiper, JoachimJoachim Peiper Waffen-SS SS-Obersturmbannführer Commander of SS-Panzer-Regiment 1 "Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler"[50] 11 January 1945
—
120 Kruger, WalterWalter Krüger Waffen-SS SS-Obergruppenführer and General of the Waffen-SS Commanding general of VI. Waffen-Armeekorps der SS[50][Note 14] 11 January 1945
—
121 Kretzschmar, WolfgangWolfgang Kretzschmar Heer Oberst Commander of Jäger-Regiment 24 (L)[50] 12 January 1945* Killed in action 27 December 1944[52]
122 Rendulic, Dr. jur. LotharDr. jur. Lothar Rendulic Heer Generaloberst Commander-in-chief of 20. Gebirgs-Armee[50] 18 January 1945
—
123 Wengler, MaximilianMaximilian Wengler Heer Generalmajor Commander of 227. Infanterie-Division[50] 21 January 1945
—
124 Nehring, WaltherWalther Nehring Heer General der Panzertruppe Commanding general of XXIV. Panzerkorps[50] 22 January 1945
—
125 Hogeback, HermannHermann Hogeback Luftwaffe Oberstleutnant Geschwaderkommodore of Kampfgeschwader 6[50] 26 January 1945
—
126 Rudorffer, ErichErich Rudorffer Luftwaffe Major Gruppenkommandeur of the II./Jagdgeschwader 54[50] 26 January 1945
—
127 Kirchner, FriedrichFriedrich Kirchner Heer General der Panzertruppe Commanding general of LVII. Panzerkorps[50] 26 January 1945
—
128 Muller, Friedrich-WilhelmFriedrich-Wilhelm Müller Heer General der Infanterie Commanding general of LXVIII. Armeekorps[50] 27 January 1945
—
129 Dorner, HelmutHelmut Dörner Waffen-SS SS-Oberführer Leader of a Kampfgruppe in the 4. SS-Polizei Panzergrenadier Division[50] 1 February 1945
—
130 Reinert, Ernst-WilhelmErnst-Wilhelm Reinert Luftwaffe Oberleutnant Staffelkapitän of the 14./Jagdgeschwader 27[50] 1 February 1945
—
131 Walther, ErichErich Walther Luftwaffe Oberst Leader of Fallschirm-Panzergrenadier-Division 2 "Hermann Göring"[50] 1 February 1945
—
132 Sachsenheimer, MaxMax Sachsenheimer Heer Generalmajor Commander of 17. Infanterie-Division[50] 6 February 1945
—
133 Rundstedt, Gerd vonGerd von Rundstedt Heer Generalfeldmarschall OB West[50] 18 February 1945
—
134 Muller, Dietrich vonDietrich von Müller Heer Generalmajor Commander of 16. Panzer-Division[50] 20 February 1945
—
135 Schulz, FriedrichFriedrich Schulz Heer General der Infanterie Commander-in-chief of 17. Armee[50] 26 February 1945
—
136 Heinrici, GotthardGotthard Heinrici Heer Generaloberst Commander-in-chief of 1. Panzerarmee[53] 3 March 1945
—
137 Lemm, Heinz-GeorgHeinz-Georg Lemm Heer Oberstleutnant Commander of Füsilier-Regiment 27[53] 15 March 1945
—
138 Kumm, OttoOtto Kumm Waffen-SS SS-Brigadeführer and Generalmajor of the Waffen-SS Commander of 7. SS-Freiwilligen-Gebirgs-Division "Prinz Eugen"[53] 17 Mar 1945
—
139 Hartmann, WalterWalter Hartmann Heer General der Artillerie Commanding general of VIII. Armeekorps[53] 18 March 1945
—
140 Bochmann, GeorgGeorg Bochmann Waffen-SS SS-Standartenführer Leader of 18. SS-Freiwilligen-Panzergrenadier-Division "Horst Wessel"[53] 26 March 1945
—
141 Juttner, ArthurArthur Jüttner Heer Oberst Commander of Grenadier-Regiment 164[53] 5 April 1945
—
142 Oppeln-Bronikowski, Hermann vonHermann von Oppeln-Bronikowski Heer Generalmajor Commander of 20. Panzer-Division[53] 17 April 1945
—
143 Mader, HellmuthHellmuth Mäder Heer Generalmajor Commander of Führer-Grenadier Division[53] 18 April 1945
—
(144) Schroer, WernerWerner Schröer Luftwaffe Major Geschwaderkommodore of Jagdgeschwader 3 "Udet"[53] 19 April 1945[Note 15]
—
(145) Batz, WilhelmWilhelm Batz Luftwaffe Major Gruppenkommandeur of the II./Jagdgeschwader 52[53] 21 April 1945
—
(146) Blaskowitz, JohannesJohannes Blaskowitz Heer Generaloberst OB Niederlande[53] 24 April 1945
—
(147) Niehoff, HermannHermann Niehoff?[Note 16] Heer General der Infanterie Commander of fortress Breslau[53] 26 April 1945
—
(148) Behrend, Hermann-HeinrichHermann-Heinrich Behrend Heer Generalmajor Commander of 490. Infanterie-Division[53] 26 April 1945
—
(149) Decker, KarlKarl Decker?[Note 17] Heer General der Panzertruppe Commanding general of XXXIX. Panzerkorps[53] 26 April 1945* Suicide 21 April 1945[58]
(150) Weidinger, OttoOtto Weidinger?[Note 18] Waffen-SS SS-Obersturmbannführer Commander of SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 4 "Der Führer"[53] 6 May 1945
—
(151) Wisliceny, Günther-EberhardtGünther-Eberhardt Wisliceny?[Note 19] Waffen-SS SS-Obersturmbannführer Commander of SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 3 "Deutschland"[53] 6 May 1945
—
(152) Stadler, SylvesterSylvester Stadler?[Note 20] Waffen-SS SS-Oberführer Commander of 9. SS-Panzer Division "Hohenstaufen"[53] 6 May 1945
—
(153) Bittrich, WilhelmWilhelm Bittrich?[Note 21] Waffen-SS SS-Obergruppenführer and General of the Waffen-SS Commanding general of II. SS-Panzerkorps[53] 6 May 1945
—
(154) Graser, Fritz-HubertFritz-Hubert Gräser?[Note 22] Heer General der Panzertruppe Commander-in-chief of 4. Panzerarmee[53] 8 May 1945
—
(155) Meindl, EugenEugen Meindl?[Note 23] Luftwaffe General der Fallschirmtruppe Commanding general of II. Fallschirm-Korps[65] 8 May 1945
—
(156) Thieme, Karl AlfredKarl Alfred Thieme?[Note 24] Heer Oberstleutnant Commander of Panzergrenadier-Regiment 111[65] 9 May 1945
—
(157) Luttwitz, Heinrich Freiherr vonHeinrich Freiherr von Lüttwitz?[Note 25] Heer General der Panzertruppe Commanding general of XXXXVII. Panzerkorps[65] 9 May 1945
—
(158) Hitzfeld, OttoOtto Hitzfeld?[Note 26] Heer General der Infanterie Commanding general of LXVII. Armeekorps[65] 9 May 1945
—
(159) Bremm, JosefJosef Bremm?[Note 27] Heer Oberstleutnant Commander of Grenadier-Regiment 990[65] 9 May 1945
—
Yamamoto, IsorokuIsoroku Yamamoto Fleet Admiral Commander-in-chief of the IJN Combined Fleet[65] 27 May 1943* Killed in action 18 April 1943[70]
Rank on day of award Heer Waffen-SS Kriegsmarine Luftwaffe Foreigners Totals
Generalfeldmarschall / Großadmiral 4 1 1 6
Generaloberst / Generaladmiral 8 1 1 10
General der Infanterie etc. / Admiral 21 4 1 26
Generalleutnant / Vizeadmiral 13 3 2 18
Generalmajor / Konteradmiral 12 4 16
Oberst / Kapitän zur See 7 6 7 20
Oberstleutnant / Fregattenkapitän 8 4 6 18
Major / Korvettenkapitän 3 1 1 13 18
Hauptmann / Kapitänleutnant 1 4 15 20
Oberleutnant / Oberleutnant zur See 1 5 6
Leutnant / Leutnant zur See 1 1
Oberfeldwebel / Oberwachtmeister 1 1
Totals 77 24 5 53 1 160

Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves

Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves
Year   Number of presentations Posthumous presentations
1940
7
0
1941
50
3
1942
111
7
1943
192
17
1944
328
46
1945
194
19

The Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves was based on the enactment Reichsgesetzblatt I S. 849 of 3 June 1940. A total of 7 awards were made in 1940; 50 in 1941; 111 in 1942; 192 in 1943; 328 in 1944, and 194 in 1945, giving a total of 882 recipients—excluding the 8 foreign recipients of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves.

The number of 882 Oak Leaves recipients is based on the analysis and acceptance of the order commission of the Association of Knight's Cross Recipients (AKCR).[16] Author and historian Veit Scherzer has challenged the validity of 27 of these listings.[2] With the exception of Hermann Fegelein, all of the disputed recipients had received the award in 1945, when the deteriorating situation of the Third Reich during the final days of World War II left the nominations unfinished in various stages of the approval process.[71]

Rank on day of award Heer Waffen-SS Kriegsmarine Luftwaffe Foreigners Totals
Generalfeldmarschall / Großadmiral 6 1 1 3 11
Generaloberst / Generaladmiral 11 3 1 15
General der Infanterie etc. / Admiral 50 8 2 4 64
Generalleutnant / Vizeadmiral 77 6 1 5 2 91
Generalmajor / Konteradmiral 43 9 1 5 1 59
Oberst / Kapitän zur See 78 12 5 8 103
Oberstleutnant / Fregattenkapitän 47 19 3 19 88
Major / Korvettenkapitän 73 9 11 53 1 147
Hauptmann / Kapitänleutnant 68 6 24 76 174
Oberleutnant / Oberleutnant zur See 19 4 5 40 68
Leutnant / Leutnant zur See 11 1 21 33
Stabsfeldwebel / Stabswachtmeister 1 1
Oberfeldwebel / Oberwachtmeister 17 7 24
Feldwebel / Wachtmeister 5 4 9
Unteroffizier / Oberjäger 3 3
Totals 509 74 53 246 8 890

Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross

Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross
Year   Number of presentations Posthumous presentations
1939
26
0
1940
448
9
1941
787
34
1942
975
68
1943
1,422
136
1944
2,468
240
1945
1,195
94

The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross is based on the enactment Reichsgesetzblatt I S. 1573 of September 1, 1939 Verordnung über die Erneuerung des Eisernen Kreuzes (Regulation of the renewing of the Iron Cross).

Beginning letter Recipients
According to AKCR		 Additional recipients
According to Veit Scherzer		 Delisted
According to AKCR		 Disputed
According to Veit Scherzer
A 118[72]
—
 1[73] 3[74]
Ba–Bm, Bn–Bz 368[75] + 357[76] = 725
—
 1[77] 13[78] + 8[79] = 21
C 82[80]
—
—
—
D 238[81]
—
—
 6[82]
E 188[83]
—
—
 3[84]
F 280[85]
—
 1[86] 12[87]
G 380[88]
—
 1[89] 11[90]
Ha–Hm, Hn–Hz 437[91] + 224[92] = 661
—
 1[93] 15[94] + 14[95] = 29
I 26[96]
—
—
—
J 142[97]
—
 1[86] 4
Ka–Km, Kn–Kz 289[98] + 428[99] = 717
—
 1[100] 4[101] + 8[102] = 12
L 386[103]
—
—
 16[104]
M 457[105]
—
 1 7
N 145[106]
—
 2[107] 2[55]
O 82[108]
—
—
 2[109]
P 324[110]
—
 1 5[111]
Q 7[112]
—
—
—
R 447[113] 1[114]
—
 11
Sa–Schr, Schu–Sz 457[115] + 603[116] = 1,060
—
—
 11[117] + 14[118] = 25
T 182[119]
—
—
 5
U 32[120]
—
—
 1[121]
V 92[122]
—
—
 5
W 446[123]
—
—
 11
X 1
—
—
—
Z 103[124]
—
—
 2[125]
Totals 7,321 1 11 193

Non-existent recipients

Since the end of World War II, numerous people have claimed to be unrecognised recipients of the Knight's Cross. The majority of these "recipients" are lacking any evidence to sustain their claims and are thus denied the right to consider themselves "legal recipients". There are two cases where the legal proof of the award exists even though the recipients do not. These two "legally correct" recipients are Günther Nowak and Heinrich Scherhorn.[126]

Günther Nowak, Hitlerjugend, was awarded the Knight's Cross on 14 February 1945 for the destruction of eleven tanks in Hindenburg, Oberschlesien. It was always assumed that he was the youngest recipient of the Knight's Cross; however, Günther Nowak never really existed — a deserting Commander of the Volkssturm was caught and claimed that, after the retreat of the Wehrmacht, he had destroyed five tanks single-handedly. Because of this, he was taken to a Gauleiter. Fearing that his lie would be unveiled, he created the story of Günther Nowak in order to lessen his own "feat". This report was then sent to Reichsleiter Martin Bormann. Bormann immediately awarded the German Cross in Gold to the Volkssturm-Commander Sachs and the Knight's Cross to Nowak.[126]

Foreign recipients

Foreign soldiers and servicemen who did not serve in one of the four branches of the German Wehrmacht during World War II and were awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross or its higher grade the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves are listed in the List of foreign recipients of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross.

Notes

  1. ↑ According to Scherzer on 16 July 1941.[11]
  2. ↑ According to Scherzer as commanding general of the I. SS-Panzerkorps.[13]
  3. ↑ According to Scherzer on 16 July 1941.[19]
  4. ↑ According to Scherzer as Hauptmann of the Reserves.[20]
  5. ↑ According to Scherzer on 18 May 1942.[21]
  6. ↑ According to Scherzer on 16 August 1942.[24]
  7. ↑ According to Scherzer as leader of the III./Sturzkampfgeschwader 2 "Immelmann".[28]
  8. ↑ According to Scherzer as Inspekteur der Nachtjagd in the Reichsluftfahrtministerium and commander of the 30. Jagd-Division[30]
  9. ↑ According to Scherzer as chief of the 2./schwere SS-Panzer-Abteilung 101.[37]
  10. ↑ According to Scherzer on 12 July 1944.[39]
  11. ↑ Hermann Fegelein was sentenced to death by Hitler and executed by SS General Johann Rattenhuber's Reichssicherheitsdienst on 28 April 1945 after a court-martial led by SS-Brigadeführer and Generalmajor of the Waffen-SS Wilhelm Mohnke. The sentence was carried out the same day.[40] The death sentence resulted in the loss of all orders and honorary signs.[41]
  12. ↑ According to Scherzer on 3 August 1944.[42]
  13. ↑ According to Scherzer on 27 August 1944.[45]
  14. ↑ According to Scherzer as commanding general of the VI. SS-Freiwilligen Armeekorps[51]
  15. ↑ According to Scherzer on 16 April 1945.[54]
  16. ↑ The German Federal Archives hold no records for the presentation of the Swords to Hermann Niehoff. The Association of Knight's Cross Recipients (AKCR) only assumes that the Swords were awarded. According to Niehoff's testimony he was nominated by Gauleiter Karl Hanke. The date and sequential number "147" were assigned by the AKCR. Niehoff was a member of the AKCR.[55]
  17. ↑ The German Federal Archives hold no records for the presentation of the Swords to Karl Decker. The Association of Knight's Cross Recipients (AKCR) assumes that the presentation fell into the timeframe 20 April 1945 to 29 April 1945. It is assumed that the nomination was approved on 26 April 1945.[56] Scherzer states that the assumption is based on a statement from Decker's widow. She claimed that she had been informed that her husband had received the award. The date and sequential number "149" were assigned by the AKCR.[57]
  18. ↑ The German Federal Archives hold no records for the presentation of the Swords to Otto Weidinger. The award was unlawfully presented by SS-Oberstgruppenführer Sepp Dietrich. The date is taken from the announcement made by the 6. SS-Panzerarmee. The sequential number "150" was assigned by the Association of Knight's Cross Recipients (AKCR). Weidinger was a member of the AKCR.[59]
  19. ↑ The German Federal Archives hold no records for the presentation of the Swords to Günther-Eberhardt Wisliceny. The award was unlawfully presented by SS-Oberstgruppenführer Sepp Dietrich. The date is taken from the announcement made by the 6. SS-Panzerarmee. The sequential number "151" was assigned by the Association of Knight's Cross Recipients (AKCR). Wisliceny was a member of the AKCR.[60]
  20. ↑ The German Federal Archives hold no records for the presentation of the Swords to Sylvester Stadler, also not mentioned by the order commission of the Association of Knight's Cross Recipients (AKCR). According to Fellgiebel, the award was presented by SS-Oberstgruppenführer Sepp Dietrich, which would make it an unlawful presentation. Fellgiebel is referring to Hermann Buch, the former IIa (personnel administration) of the 2. SS-Division "Das Reich", and Wilhelm Kment, the adjutant of Heinrich Himmler and liaison officer to the Heerespersonalamt (HPA—Army Staff Office), as sources. Buch reported on 25 June 2004 that he hadn't to do anything with this case. Stadler himself claimed that Dietrich proposed him on 22 March 1945, even though the 9. SS-Panzer-Division "Hohenstaufen" was not subordinated to the 6. SS-Panzerarmee. The sequential number "152" was assigned by the AKCR. The date might have been taken from Ernst-Günther Krätschmer.[61]
  21. ↑ The German Federal Archives hold no records for the presentation of the Swords to Wilhelm Bittrich. The award was unlawfully presented SS-Oberstgruppenführer Sepp Dietrich. The date is taken from the announcement made by the 6. SS-Panzerarmee. The sequential number "153" was assigned by the Association of Knight's Cross Recipients (AKCR). Bittrich was a member of the AKCR.[62]
  22. ↑ Fritz-Hubert Gräser's nomination by the troop was received by the Heerespersonalamt (HPA—Army Personnel Office) on 29 April 1945. General Ernst Maisel noted: "I approve the nomination! 30 April". The nomination list for the higher grades of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross only notes the nomination entry date as 29 April 1945. There is no indication that the award was granted. The paperwork was not finalized by the end of the war. The Association of Knight's Cross Recipients (AKCR) claims that the award was presented in accordance with the Dönitz-decree. This is illegal according to the Deutsche Dienststelle (WASt) and lacks legal justification. The sequential number "154" and presentation date were assigned by the AKCR.[63]
  23. ↑ Eugen Meindl's nomination by the troop was approved by each of his commanding officers. However the nomination contains no final remark on the proceedings. Oberst Nicolaus von Below, Hitler's Luftwaffe adjutant, had sent a teleprinter message to the commanding general of the Fallschirmarmee Generaloberst Kurt Student, requesting a statement for this nomination. The copy of the teleprinter message contains a note: resubmission "23 April 1945". It seems that the statement was never returned. The paperwork was not finalized by the end of the war. The Association of Knight's Cross Recipients (AKCR) claims that the award was presented in accordance with the Dönitz-decree. This is illegal according to the Deutsche Dienststelle (WASt) and lacks legal justification. The sequential number "155" was assigned by the AKCR. Fellgiebel assigned the presentation date. Meindl is mentioned on a list of the Oberbefehlshaber Nordwest for "Nominations and Bestowal of War Awards" from May 1945. This list, which was intended to be presented to Karl Dönitz, contained twelve names of pending nominations which had been submitted via the chain of command. Dönitz has never signed this list, most likely he has never even seen this list. The responsible personnel offices awarded or declined eight nominations from this list by the end of the war by, two remained unprocessed by the Heerespersonalamt (HPA—Personnel Office) and Luftwaffenpersonalamt (LPA — Luftwaffe Personnel Office) and two further were left ready for signing at the Oberkommando der Wehrmacht/Wehrmacht-Führungsstab (OKW/WFSt—Oberkommando der Wehrmacht/Wehrmacht-Führungsstab—leadership staff of the Army High Command).[64]
  24. ↑ Karl Thieme's nomination by the troop was received by the Heerespersonalamt (HPA—Army Personnel Office) on 10 April 1945 via teleprinter. Major Joachim Domaschk noted "By no means sufficient! Requesting statement from OB West", which was requested on 13 April. OB West responded on 24 April (entry date at the Heerespersonalamt on 28 April): "Statement from OB West not possible, since nomination was not made via OB West". Major Joachim Domaschk then decided on 28 April: "Heeresgruppe B, postpone!" In this instance the nomination was not processed due to AHA 44 Ziff. 572 (Allgemeines Heeresamt — General Army Office) but also because statements from his commanding officers could not be obtained anymore due to the capitulation. The nomination list for the higher grades of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross also contains a note from 10 April 1945: postponed. A bestowal thus didn't occur. The Association of Knight's Cross Recipients (AKCR) claims that the award was presented in accordance with the Dönitz-decree. This is illegal according to the Deutsche Dienststelle (WASt) and lacks legal justification. The sequential number "156" was assigned by the AKCR. Fellgiebel assigned the presentation date.[66]
  25. ↑ Heinrich von Lüttwitz's nomination by the troop was received by the Heerespersonalamt (HPA—Army Personnel Office) on 28 April 1945. Major Joachim Domaschk decided on 30 April: "Heeresgruppe B, postpone!" General Von Lüttwiz together with the remaining forces of the Heeresgruppe B was either taken prisoner of war or missing in action in the Ruhr Pocket on 15 April. The nomination was thus not further processed in accordance with AHA 44 Ziff. 572 (Allgemeines Heeresamt — General Army Office). The nomination list for the higher grades of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross also contains a note from 28 April 1945: "postponed". A bestowal thus didn't occur. The sequential number "157" and presentation date were assigned by the Association of Knight's Cross Recipients (AKCR).[67]
  26. ↑ Otto Hitzfeld's nomination was rejected by Major Joachim Domaschk on 30 April 1945 and commented: "This is not a nomination!" (Only leadership and organisational achievements, no personal bravery) he additionally noted: "missing in cauldron AOK 11". The nomination was thus assessed as insufficient as well as postponed according to AHA 44 Ziff. 572 (Allgemeines Heeresamt — General Army Office). The entry date noted on the nomination list for the higher grades of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross is 28 April 1945. The list indicates a note "deferred". The approval cannot be proven. The order commission of the Association of Knight's Cross Recipients (AKCR) handled the case in 1981 and decided: Swords yes, 9 May 1945. The AKCR claims that the award was presented in accordance with the Dönitz-decree. This is illegal according to the Deutsche Dienststelle (WASt) and lacks legal justification. The sequential number "158" and presentation date was assigned by the AKCR. Hitzfeld was a member of the AKCR.[68]
  27. ↑ Josef Bremm's nomination by the troop was rejected by Major Joachim Domaschk on 30 April 1945 and instead recommended for the German Cross in Gold. Just like all other nominations, which at this point in time were related to members of the 11. Armee, the nomination was not further processed since the 11. Armee had capitulated on 21 April 1945 and presentations to prisoners of war or missing in action were prohibited. In all other instances of similar circumstances a note on the nomination can be found stating: "postpone AOK 11" or "postpone according to AHA 44 Ziff. 572 (Allgemeines Heeresamt — General Army Office)". The entry date noted on the nomination list for the higher grades of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross is 28 April 1945. The list indicates a note "deferred". The Association of Knight's Cross Recipients (AKCR) claims that the award was presented in accordance with the Dönitz-decree. This is illegal according to the Deutsche Dienststelle (WASt) and lacks legal justification. The sequential number "159" was assigned by the AKCR. The presentation date was assigned by Fellgiebel. Bremm was a member of the AKCR.[69]

References

Citations

  1. ↑ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 113–460, 483, 485–487, 492, 494, 498–499, 501, 503, 509.
  2. 1 2 3 Scherzer 2007, pp. 117–186.
  3. ↑ "Reichsgesetzblatt Teil I S. 1573; 1 September 1939" (PDF). ALEX Österreichische Nationalbibliothek (in German). Reichsministerium des Inneren (Ministry of the Interior). Retrieved 21 February 2008.
  4. ↑ "Reichsgesetzblatt Teil I S. 849; 3 June 1940" (PDF). ALEX Österreichische Nationalbibliothek (in German). Reichsministerium des Inneren (Ministry of the Interior). Retrieved 21 February 2008.
  5. ↑ "Reichsgesetzblatt Teil I S. 613; 28 September 1941" (PDF). ALEX Österreichische Nationalbibliothek (in German). Reichsministerium des Inneren (Ministry of the Interior). Retrieved 21 February 2008.
  6. ↑ "Reichsgesetzblatt 1945 I S. 11; 29 December 1944" (PDF). ALEX Österreichische Nationalbibliothek (in German). Reichsministerium des Inneren (Ministry of the Interior). Retrieved 21 February 2008.
  7. 1 2 3 Fellgiebel 2000, p. 33.
  8. 1 2 3 Fellgiebel 2000, p. 35.
  9. ↑ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 36–38.
  10. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Fellgiebel 2000, p. 36.
  11. ↑ Scherzer 2007, p. 548.
  12. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Fellgiebel 2000, p. 37.
  13. 1 2 Scherzer 2007, p. 272.
  14. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Fellgiebel 2000, p. 38.
  15. ↑ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 49–51.
  16. 1 2 Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 53–104.
  17. ↑ Scherzer, 2007, pp. 110–116, 128.
  18. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Fellgiebel 2000, p. 39.
  19. ↑ Scherzer 2007, p. 576.
  20. ↑ Scherzer 2007, p. 199.
  21. ↑ Scherzer 2007, p. 344.
  22. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Fellgiebel 2000, p. 40.
  23. ↑ Scherzer 2007, p. 720.
  24. ↑ Scherzer 2007, p. 206.
  25. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Fellgiebel 2000, p. 41.
  26. ↑ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 41, 475.
  27. ↑ Scherzer 2007, p. 271.
  28. ↑ Scherzer 2007, p. 643.
  29. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Fellgiebel 2000, p. 42.
  30. ↑ Scherzer 2007, p. 385.
  31. ↑ Scherzer 2007, p. 652.
  32. ↑ Scherzer 2007, p. 531.
  33. ↑ Scherzer 2007, p. 688.
  34. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Fellgiebel 2000, p. 43.
  35. 1 2 Scherzer 2007, p. 231.
  36. ↑ Scherzer 2007, p. 486.
  37. ↑ Scherzer 2007, p. 793.
  38. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Fellgiebel 2000, p. 44.
  39. ↑ Scherzer 2007, p. 358.
  40. ↑ O'Donnell 1978, 2001, pp. 182, 183, 215.
  41. ↑ Scherzer 2007, p. 128.
  42. ↑ Scherzer 2007, p. 675.
  43. ↑ Scherzer 2007, p. 681.
  44. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Fellgiebel 2000, p. 45.
  45. ↑ Scherzer 2007, p. 347.
  46. ↑ Scherzer 2007, p. 306.
  47. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Fellgiebel 2000, p. 46.
  48. ↑ Scherzer 2007, p. 800.
  49. ↑ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 46, 475.
  50. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Fellgiebel 2000, p. 47.
  51. ↑ Scherzer 2007, p. 479.
  52. ↑ Scherzer 2007, p. 474.
  53. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Fellgiebel 2000, p. 48.
  54. ↑ Scherzer 2007, p. 685.
  55. 1 2 Scherzer 2007, p. 161.
  56. ↑ Fellgiebell 2000, pp. 49–50.
  57. ↑ Scherzer 2007, p. 125.
  58. ↑ Scherzer 2007, p. 267.
  59. ↑ Scherzer 2007, p. 184.
  60. ↑ Scherzer 2007, p. 185.
  61. ↑ Scherzer 2007, p. 176.
  62. ↑ Scherzer 2007, p. 121.
  63. ↑ Scherzer 2007, p. 134.
  64. ↑ Scherzer 2007, p. 159.
  65. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Fellgiebel 2000, p. 49.
  66. ↑ Scherzer 2007, p. 179.
  67. ↑ Scherzer 2007, p. 157.
  68. ↑ Scherzer 2007, p. 141.
  69. ↑ Scherzer 2007, p. 123.
  70. ↑ Scherzer 2007, p. 801.
  71. ↑ Scherzer 2007, pp. 110–116, 128.
  72. ↑ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 113–118.
  73. ↑ Fellgiebel 2000, p. 483.
  74. ↑ Scherzer 2007, p. 117.
  75. ↑ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 119–135, 485–486.
  76. ↑ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 135–152, 487.
  77. ↑ Fellgiebel 2000, p. 150.
  78. ↑ Scherzer 2007, pp. 117–122.
  79. ↑ Scherzer 2007, pp. 122–125.
  80. ↑ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 152–156, 488.
  81. ↑ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 156–167.
  82. ↑ Scherzer 2007, pp. 126–127.
  83. ↑ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 167–176.
  84. ↑ Scherzer 2007, pp. 127–128.
  85. ↑ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 176–189.
  86. 1 2 Fellgiebel 2000, p. 4.
  87. ↑ Scherzer 2007, pp. 128–131.
  88. ↑ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 154, 190–208, 488.
  89. ↑ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 25–26.
  90. ↑ Scherzer 2007, pp. 131–135.
  91. ↑ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 208–228.
  92. ↑ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 229–239.
  93. ↑ Fellgiebel 2000, p. 492.
  94. ↑ Scherzer 2007, pp. 136–141.
  95. ↑ Scherzer 2007, pp. 141–145.
  96. ↑ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 239–240.
  97. ↑ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 241–247.
  98. ↑ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 248–261.
  99. ↑ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 261–281.
  100. ↑ Fellgiebel 2000, p. 494.
  101. ↑ Scherzer 2007, pp. 147–149.
  102. ↑ Scherzer 2007, pp. 149–151.
  103. ↑ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 282–299.
  104. ↑ Scherzer 2007, pp. 151–157.
  105. ↑ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 300–320, 498.
  106. ↑ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 321–327.
  107. ↑ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 499, 511.
  108. ↑ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 327–331.
  109. ↑ Scherzer 2007, pp. 161–162.
  110. ↑ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 332–346, 499.
  111. ↑ Scherzer 2007, p. 162–163
  112. ↑ Fellgiebel 2000, p. 347.
  113. ↑ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 347–368, 501.
  114. ↑ Scherzer 2007, p. 630.
  115. ↑ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 369–390.
  116. ↑ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 390–418, 503.
  117. ↑ Scherzer 2007, p. 168–172
  118. ↑ Scherzer 2007, p. 173–178
  119. ↑ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 418–427.
  120. ↑ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 427–429.
  121. ↑ Scherzer 2007, p. 180.
  122. ↑ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 429–433.
  123. ↑ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 433–455, 509.
  124. ↑ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 455–460.
  125. ↑ Scherzer 2007, p. 186.
  126. 1 2 Fellgiebel 2000, p. 511.

Bibliography

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