The Knight’s Cross was to be awarded for acts of ultimate bravery in the face of the enemy. The award was also extended to foreign nationals fighting with the Wehrmacht or SS. The Knight’s Cross was unusual in other ways: unlike awards as the British Victoria Cross, or US Medal of Honor which were strictly valor based, the Cross could also be given on a point basis. For example, a pilot could of received the Knight’s Cross in 1940 for downing 26 aircraft. As the war went on the tally got higher, in order to receive the award. A U-boat commander could get the Knight’s Cross for sinking 100,000 tons of shipping. In all these cases exceptions were made. Unlike the Victoria Cross, a Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross could also be given for successful command of a battle, or even in some cases for a successful withdrawal. In some cases the Knight’s Cross was even given for services rendered. As a result of all of this, the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross was a all around award. Judging by it’s low number of recipients 7,318, Knights Cross awards were very stringent.
Source: www.feldgrau.com
General of the Infantry |
General of the Infantry |
General of the Infantry Walther Hahm |
Lieutenant-Colonel (GS) Erich Labrenz |
Colonel |
Colonel |
|
Captain |
Sergeant |
Colonel |
Major |
Sergeant First Class Emil Löffler |
Major |
|
Major |
Captain |
Lance Corporal Richard Foldenauer |
Colonel |
Sergeant |
Officer Candidate Paul Curt Cullmann |