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List of Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords or Diamonds recipients of the Waffen-SS

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Knight's Cross recipients
A silver framed black cross that has arms which are narrow at the center, and broader at the perimeter. In the middle of the cross is a swastika, an equilateral cross with its arms bent at right angles. On the lower arm of the cross are the number 1939 engraved. The cross is connected to a ribbon with a silver clip. The ribbon has a red central stripe, flanked in white and with a black edge stripe.
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Oak Leaves
Knight's Cross


The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross (German language: Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) and its variants were the highest award in the military of the Third Reich. During or shortly after World War II, 457 German servicemen of the Waffen-SS, including volunteers from Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, France, Hungary, Latvia, Netherlands and Norway, received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. Of these, 411 presentations were formally made and evidence of the award is still available in the German National Archives. One recipient, Hermann Fegelein, was court-martialed and executed on 29 April 1945. According to German law he was deprived of rank and all awards previously. Fegelein must therefore be considered a de facto but not de jure recipient. A further 46 Knight's Cross, nine Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves and four Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords recipients are either lacking the evidence to sustain their listings or received the award under questionable legal terms. However, all of them were accepted by the Association of Knight's Cross Recipients (Ordensgemeinschaft der Ritterkreuzträger des Eisernen Kreuzes e.V.) as legitimate recipients.[1]

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 and the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross.[2] As the war progressed, some of the recipients distinguished themselves further and a higher grade, the Oak Leaves to Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub) was instituted. The Oak Leaves, as they were commonly referred to, were based on the enactment Reichsgesetzblatt I S. 849 of 3 June 1940.[3] 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).[4] At the end of 1944, the last and final grade, the Knight's 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, concluded the variants of the Knight's Cross.[5]

The Oberkommando der Wehrmacht kept separate Knight's Cross lists, one for each of the three military branches, Heer (Army), Kriegsmarine (Navy), Luftwaffe (Air force) and for the Waffen-SS. Within each of these lists a unique sequential number was assigned to each recipient. The same numbering paradigm was applied to the higher grades of the Knight's Cross, one list per grade.[6] Recipients are grouped by grades of the Knight's Cross and listed alphabetically for the lowest grade and chronologically by the numbering paradigm for the higher grades.

      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.

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 twenty-seven German soldiers, sailors and airmen, ranging from young fighter pilots to field marshals. Two recipients were members of the Waffen-SS.[7] The list is initially sorted by the chronological number assigned to the recipient.

Number Name Rank Unit Date of award Notes Picture
12 Gille, Herbert-OttoHerbert-Otto Gille SS-Gruppenführer and Generalleutnant of the Waffen-SS commander of 5. SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Wiking" 19 April 1944 A black-and-white photograph of a man stiing at a desk, wearing a military uniform and neck order, in shape of an Iron Cross.
16 Dietrich, JosefJosef Dietrich SS-Oberstgruppenführer commander of I. SS-Panzerkorps "Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler" 6 August 1944 A black-and-white photograph of a man in semi profile wearing a military uniform and neck order, in shape of an Iron Cross. He has short, thinning hair and a determined facial expression.

Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords[]

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 list is initially sorted by the chronological number assigned to the recipient.

Number Name Rank Unit Date of award Notes Picture
26 Dietrich, JosefJosef Dietrich SS-Obergruppenführer SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler" 14 March 1943 Awarded 16th Diamonds 6 August 1944 A black-and-white photograph of a man in semi profile wearing a military uniform, peaked cap and neck order, in shape of an Iron Cross. He has a determined facial expression.
39 Dieckmann, AugustAugust Dieckmann SS-Obersturmbannführer SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 10 10 October 1943* Killed in action 10 October 1943[8]
47 Gille, Herbert-OttoHerbert-Otto Gille SS-Gruppenführer SS-Panzergrenadier Division "Wiking" 20 February 1944 Awarded 12th Diamonds 19 April 1944
56 Schuldt, HinrichHinrich Schuldt SS-Oberführer 2. lett. SS-Freiwillige-Brigade 25 March 1944* Killed in action 15 March 1944[9]
65 Priess, HermannHermann Priess SS-Brigadeführer 3. SS-Panzer Division 24 April 1944
71 Wittmann, MichaelMichael Wittmann SS-Hauptsturmführer schwere SS-Panzer-Abteilung 101 22 June 1944 Killed in action 8 August 1944[10] A black-and-white photograph of a man wearing a black military uniform, peaked cap and a neck order in shape of an Iron Cross. His cap has an emblem in shape of a human skull and crossed bones.
77 Dorr, HansHans Dorr SS-Sturmbannführer SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 9 9 July 1944 Died of wounds 17 April 1945[11]
83 Fegelein, HermannHermann Fegelein?[Notes 1] SS-Gruppenführer 8. SS-Freiwillige-Kavallerie-Division "Florian Geyer" 30 July 1944 Executed 29 April 1945[13] A black-and-white photograph of a man in semi profile wearing a military uniform and a neck order in shape of an Iron Cross.
85 Scholz, Fritz vonFritz von Scholz Edler von Rarancze SS-Gruppenführer 11. SS-Freiwillige-Panzergrenadier Division 8 August 1944* Died of wounds 28 July 1944[13]
86 Steiner, FelixFelix Steiner SS-Obergruppenführer III. (germanisches) SS-Panzerkorps 10 August 1944 A man wearing a military uniform and neck order, in the shape of a cross. His hair is combed to the back.
90 Hausser, PaulPaul Hausser SS-Oberstgruppenführer 7. Armee 28 August 1944
91 Meyer, KurtKurt Meyer SS-Standartenführer 12. SS-Panzer-Division 27 August 1944 A black-and-white photograph of a smiling man wearing a military uniform, peaked cap and neck order, in shape of an Iron Cross.
94 Wisch, TheodorTheodor Wisch SS-Brigadeführer 1. SS-Panzer Division "Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler" 30 August 1944
95 Baum, OttoOtto Baum SS-Standartenführer 2. SS-Panzer Division 2 September 1944
116 Harmel, HeinzHeinz Harmel SS-Brigadeführer 10. SS-Panzer Division 15 December 1944
119 Peiper, JoachimJoachim Peiper SS-Obersturmbannführer SS-Panzer-Regiment 1 11 January 1945 A man wearing a military uniform, peaked cap and a neck order in the shape of a cross. His cap has an emblem in shape of a human skull and crossed bones.
120 Walter Krüger SS-Obergruppenführer VI. Waffen-Armeekorps der SS 11 January 1945 Suicide 22 May 1945[Notes 2]
129 Dorner, HelmutHelmut Dörner SS-Oberführer 4. SS-Polizei Panzergrenadier Division 1 February 1945 Killed in action 11 February 1945[14]
138 Kumm, OttoOtto Kumm SS-Brigadeführer 7. SS-Freiwillige-Gebirgs-Division 17 Mar 1945
140 Bochmann, GeorgGeorg Bochmann SS-Standartenführer 18. SS-Freiwillige-Panzergrenadier-Division "Horst Wessel" 26 March 1945
150 Weidinger, OttoOtto Weidinger?[Notes 3] SS-Obersturmbannführer SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 4 "Der Führer" 6 May 1945
151 Wisliceny, Günther-EberhardtGünther-Eberhardt Wisliceny?[Notes 4] SS-Obersturmbannführer SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 3 "Deutschland" 6 May 1945 A black-and-white photograph of a man in semi profile wearing a military uniform. His hair is combed back and his facial expression is determined.
152 Stadler, SylvesterSylvester Stadler?[Notes 5] SS-Oberführer 9. SS-Panzer Division 6 May 1945 A black-and-white photograph of a man wearing a military uniform and coat, peaked cap and a neck order in shape of an Iron Cross. His cap has an emblem in shape of a human skull and crossed bones.
153 Bittrich, WilhelmWilhelm Bittrich?[Notes 6] SS-Obergruppenführer II. SS-Panzerkorps 6 May 1945

Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves[]

The Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves was based on the enactment Reichsgesetzblatt I S. 849 of 3 June 1940. The last officially announced number for the Oak Leaves was 843. Higher numbers are unofficial and therefore denoted in brackets.[21] The list is initially sorted by the chronological number assigned to the recipient.

Number Name Rank Unit Date of award Notes Picture
41 Dietrich, JosefJosef Dietrich SS-Obergruppenführer SS-Division "Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler" (mot.) 31 December 1941 Awarded 26th Swords 14 March 1943
16th Diamonds 6 August 1944		 A black-and-white photograph of a man in semi profile wearing a military uniform and neck order, in shape of an Iron Cross. He has short, thinning hair and a determined facial expression.
88 Eicke, TheodorTheodor Eicke SS-Obergruppenführer SS-Division "Totenkopf" 20 April 1942 Killed in action 26 February 1943[22] A black-and-white photograph of a man in semi profile wearing a military uniform and neck order, in shape of an Iron Cross. His dark hair is combed to the back. He has determined facial expression.
91 Wünnenberg, AlfredAlfred Wünnenberg SS-Brigadeführer SS-Polizei-Division 23 April 1942 A black-and-white photograph of a man wearing a military uniform and a neck order in shape of an Iron Cross.
157 Fegelein, HermannHermann Fegelein?[Notes 1] SS-Oberführer SS-Kampfgruppe "Fegelein" 22 December 1942 Awarded 83rd Swords 30 July 1944 Hermann Fegelein
159 Steiner, FelixFelix Steiner SS-Gruppenführer 5. SS-Panzergrenadier-Division 23 December 1942 Awarded 86th Swords 10 August 1944 A man wearing a military uniform and neck order, in the shape of a cross. His hair is combed to the back.
195 Meyer, KurtKurt Meyer SS-Obersturmbannführer SS-Aufklärungs-Abteilung "Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler" 23 February 1943 Awarded 91st Swords 27 August 1944
200 Witt, FritzFritz Witt SS-Standartenführer SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 1 "Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler" 1 March 1943 Killed in action 14 June 1944[23]
220 Schuldt, HinrichHinrich Schuldt SS-Standartenführer SS Brigade Schuldt 2 April 1943 Awarded 56th Swords 25 March 1944
221 Kumm, OttoOtto Kumm SS-Obersturmbannführer SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment "Der Führer" 6 April 1943 Awarded 138th Swords 17 March 1945
233 Dieckmann, AugustAugust Dieckmann SS-Sturmbannführer I./SS-Regiment "Germania" 16 April 1943 Awarded 39th Swords 10 October 1943
246 Bochmann, GeorgGeorg Bochmann SS-Sturmbannführer II./SS-Kradschützen-Regiment "Thule" 17 May 1943 Awarded 140th Swords 26 March 1945 A black-and-white photograph of a man wearing a military uniform and neck order in shape of an Iron Cross. His hair is combed back and his facial expression is determined.
261 Hausser, PaulPaul Hausser SS-Obergruppenführer II. SS-Panzerkorps 28 July 1943 Awarded 90th Swords 26 August 1944
277 Baum, OttoOtto Baum SS-Obersturmbannführer SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment "Totenkopf" 22 August 1943 Awarded 95th Swords 2 September 1944
286 Walter Krüger SS-Gruppenführer SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Das Reich" 31 August 1943 Awarded 120th Swords 11 January 1945

Bundesarchiv Bild 101I-212-0212A-19, Russland, SS-Brigdeführer und Erich Hoepner

296 Harmel, HeinzHeinz Harmel SS-Standartenführer SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 3 7 September 1943 Awarded 116th Swords 15 December 1944
297 Priess, HermannHermann Prieß SS-Brigadeführer 3. SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Totenkopf" 9 September 1943 Awarded 65th Swords 24 April 1944
303 Stadler, SylvesterSylvester Stadler SS-Obersturmbannführer SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment "Der Führer" 16 September 1943 Awarded 152nd Swords 6 May 1945 A black-and-white photograph of a man wearing a military uniform with fur collar, side cap and a neck order in shape of an Iron Cross. His cap has an emblem in shape of a human skull and crossed bones.
310 Meierdress, Hubert-ErwinHubert-Erwin Meierdress SS-Hauptsturmführer I./SS-Panzer-Regiment 3 5 October 1943 Killed in action 4 January 1945[24]
315 Gille, Herbert-OttoHerbert-Otto Gille SS-Brigadeführer SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Wiking" 1 November 1943 Awarded 47th Swords 20 February 1944
12th Diamonds 19 April 1944
327 Dorr, HansHans Dorr SS-Hauptsturmführer I./SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment "Germania" 13 November 1943 Awarded 77th Swords 9 July 1944
353 Tychsen, ChristianChristian Tychsen SS-Sturmbannführer II./SS-Panzer-Regiment 2 10 December 1943 Killed in action 28 July 1944[25] A black-and-white photograph of a man wearing a military uniform, peaked cap and a neck order in shape of an Iron Cross. His cap has an emblem in shape of a human skull and crossed bones. A large scar on his chin is visible.
359 Frey, AlbertAlbert Frey SS-Obersturmbannführer SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment "Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler" 29 December 1943
375 Kraas, HugoHugo Kraas SS-Obersturmbannführer SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 2 24 January 1944
377 Peiper, JoachimJoachim Peiper SS-Sturmbannführer SS-Panzer-Regiment 1 27 January 1944 Awarded 119th Swords 11 January 1945 A black-and-white photograph of a man wearing a military uniform, peaked cap and a neck order in shape of an Iron Cross. His cap has an emblem in shape of a human skull and crossed bones.
380 Wittmann, MichaelMichael Wittmann SS-Untersturmführer SS-Panzer-Regiment 1 "Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler" 30 January 1944 Awarded 71st Swords 22 June 1944
393 Wisch, TheodorTheodor Wisch SS-Brigadeführer 1. SS Division Leibstandarte SS "Adolf Hitler" 12 February 1944 Awarded 94th Swords 30 August 1944
423 Scholz, Fritz vonFritz von Scholz Edler von Rarancze SS-Brigadeführer 11. SS-Freiwilligen-Panzergrenadier-Division "Nordland" 12 March 1944 Awarded 85th Swords 8 August 1944
479 Schmidt, WalterWalter Schmidt SS-Hauptsturmführer II./SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment "Westland" 14 May 1944
480 Ullrich, KarlKarl Ullrich SS-Obersturmbannführer SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 6 "Theodor Eicke" 14 May 1944
546 Kloskowski, KarlKarl Kloskowski SS-Obersturmführer 7./SS-Panzer-Regiment 2 11 August 1944 Missing in action 23 April 1945[26] A black-and-white photograph of a man wearing a camouflage military uniform, side cap and a pair of binoculars around his neck. His cap has an emblem in shape of a human skull and crossed bones.
548 Wunsche, MaxMax Wünsche SS-Obersturmbannführer SS-Panzer-Regiment 12 11 August 1944
554 Macher, HeinzHeinz Macher SS-Obersturmführer 16. (Pi)/SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 3 19 August 1944
559 Hinz, BrunoBruno Hinz SS-Untersturmführer 1./SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 38 23 August 1944
563 Bittrich, WilhelmWilhelm Bittrich SS-Obergruppenführer II. SS-Panzerkorps 28 August 1944 Awarded 153rd Swords 6 May 1945
570 Bock, Friedrich-WilhelmFriedrich-Wilhelm Bock SS-Oberführer 9. SS-Panzer-Division 2 September 1944
591 Scholz, HelmutHelmut Scholz SS-Obersturmführer II./SS-Freiwillige-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 49 21 September 1944
595 Becker, HellmuthHellmuth Becker SS-Oberführer 3. SS-Panzer-Division "Totenkopf" 21 September 1944
596 Mühlenkamp, Johannes-RudolfJohannes-Rudolf Mühlenkamp SS-Standartenführer 5. SS-Panzer-Division "Wiking" 21 September 1944
601 Meyer, OttoOtto Meyer SS-Obersturmbannführer SS-Panzer-Regiment 9 30 September 1944* Killed in action 29 August 1944[Notes 7] A black-and-white photograph of a man wearing a military uniform, cap and a neck order in shape of an Iron Cross. His cap has an emblem in shape of a human skull and crossed bones.
608 Reinefarth, HeinzHeinz Reinefarth SS-Gruppenführer Korpsgruppe von dem Bach 30 September 1944 A black-and-white photograph of a man in semi profile wearing a military uniform and neck order, in shape of an Iron Cross. His dark hair is combed to the back. He has determined facial expression and a large scar on his cheek.
639 Simon, MaxMax Simon SS-Gruppenführer 16. SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Reichsführer SS" 28 October 1944
650 Dorner, HelmutHelmut Dörner SS-Standartenführer SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 8 16 November 1944 Awarded 129th Swords 1 February 1945
651 Krügel, AlbrechtAlbrecht Krügel SS-Obersturmbannführer SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 24 16 November 1944 Killed in action 16 March 1945[29]
668 Bremer, GerhardGerhard Bremer SS-Sturmbannführer SS-Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 12 26 November 1944
670 Phleps, ArturArtur Phleps SS-Gruppenführer SS-Division "Prinz Eugen" 24 November 1944* Killed in action 21 September 1944[30]
680 Wagner, JürgenJürgen Wagner SS-Brigadeführer 4. SS-Freiwillige-Panzergrenadier-Brigade "Nederland" 11 December 1944
685 Biermeier, FritzFritz Biermeier SS-Sturmbannführer II./SS-Panzer-Regiment 3 26 December 1944* Killed in action 11 October 1944[31]
687 Wisliceny, Günther-EberhardtGünther-Eberhardt Wisliceny SS-Obersturmbannführer SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 3 "Deutschland" 26 December 1944 Awarded 151st Swords 6 May 1945
688 Weidinger, OttoOtto Weidinger SS-Obersturmbannführer SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 4 26 December 1944 Awarded 150 Swords 6 May 1945 A black-and-white photograph of a man wearing a military uniform, peaked cap and a neck order in shape of an Iron Cross. His cap has an emblem in shape of a human skull and crossed bones.
701 Streckenbach, BrunoBruno Streckenbach SS-Gruppenführer 19. Waffen-Grenadier Division der Waffen-SS 16 January 1945
714 Schäfer, MaxMax Schäfer SS-Obersturmbannführer III Panzerkorps 25 January 1945
720 Wahl, KurtKurt Wahl SS-Sturmbannführer SS-Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung in the 17. SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Götz von Berlichingen" 1 February 1945
721 Rumohr, JoachimJoachim Rumohr SS-Brigadeführer 8. SS-Kavallerie-Division "Florian Geyer" 1 February 1945 Suicide 11 February 1945[32]
722 Zehender, August-FriedrichAugust-Friedrich Zehender SS-Brigadeführer 22. SS-Freiwillige-Kavallerie-Division "Maria Theresia" 1 February 1945 Killed in action 11 February 1945[32]
723 Pfeffer-Wildenbruch, KarlKarl Pfeffer-Wildenbruch SS-Obergruppenführer IX. SS-Gebirgskorps 1 February 1945
755 Krag, Ernst-AugustErnst-August Krag SS-Sturmbannführer SS-Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 2 28 February 1945
756 Schmelzer, HeinrichHeinrich Schmelzer SS-Hauptsturmführer of the Reserves SS-Panzer-Pionier-Bataillon 2 28 February 1945
783 Pötschke, WernerWerner Pötschke SS-Sturmbannführer 1./SS-Panzer-Regiment 1 15 March 1945 Killed in action 24 March 1945[Notes 8]
785 Vogt, FritzFritz Vogt SS-Hauptsturmführer I./SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 23 16 March 1945 Killed in action 3 April 1945[33]
802 Jeckeln, FriedrichFriedrich Jeckeln SS-Obergruppenführer V. SS-Gebirgskorps 8 March 1945
814 Girg, WalterWalter Girg SS-Obersturmführer 502nd SS Jäger Battalion 1 April 1945
820 Paetsch, OttoOtto Paetsch SS-Obersturmbannführer SS-Panzer-Regiment 10 5 April 1945* Killed in action 16 March 1945[35]
826 Skorzeny, Dipl-Ing. OttoDipl-Ing. Otto Skorzeny SS-Obersturmbannführer SS-Jagd-Verbände und Kampfkommandant Schwedt/Oder 9 April 1945
835 Hansen, MaxMax Hansen SS-Obersturmbannführer SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 1 17 April 1945 A black-and-white photograph of a man wearing a military uniform, peaked cap and a neck order in shape of an Iron Cross. His cap has an emblem in shape of a human skull and crossed bones.
(844) Hack, FranzFranz Hack?[Notes 9] SS-Obersturmbannführer SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 10 18 April 1945
(845) Kausch, Paul-AlbertPaul-Albert Kausch?[Notes 10] SS-Obersturmbannführer SS-Panzer-Regiment 11 23 April 1945
(848) Ziegler, JoachimJoachim Ziegler SS-Brigadeführer 11. SS-Freiwillige-Panzergrenadier-Division "Nordland" 28 April 1945 Killed in action 2 May 1945[38]
(861) Ostendorff, WernerWerner Ostendorff?[Notes 11] SS-Gruppenführer 2. SS-Panzer-Division "Das Reich" 6 May 1945* Died of wounds 1 May 1945[40]
(862) Lehmann, RudolfRudolf Lehmann?[Notes 12] SS-Standartenführer 2. SS-Panzer-Division "Das Reich" 6 May 1945
(863) Kreutz, KarlKarl Kreutz?[Notes 13] SS-Standartenführer SS-Panzer-Artillerie-Regiment 2 6 May 1945
(864) Werner, HeinzHeinz Werner?[Notes 14] SS-Sturmbannführer III./SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 4 6 May 1945
(871) Kleinheisterkamp, MatthiasMatthias Kleinheisterkamp?[Notes 15] SS-Gruppenführer XI. SS-Panzerkorps 9 May 1945* Killed in action 29 April 1945[43][Notes 16]
(872) Lohmann, Hanns-HeinrichHanns-Heinrich Lohmann?[Notes 17] SS-Obersturmbannführer SS-Freiwillige-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 49 9 May 1945
(875) Rebane, AlfonsAlfons Rebane?[Notes 18] Waffen-Obersturmbannführer Waffen-Grenadier-Regiment der Waffen-SS 46 9 May 1945

Notes[]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Hermann Fegelein was sentenced to death by Hitler and executed by SS General Johann Rattenhuber's 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 resulted in the loss of all orders and honorary signs.[12]
  2. ↑ Walter Krüger's date of death is inconclusive. According to Florian Berger date of death is 20 May 1945, Walther-Per Fellgiebel states 8 May 1945 and Veit Scherzer presents 22 May 1945.[14][15][16]
  3. ↑ No evidence of the award can be found in the German National Archives. 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 member of the AKCR.[17]
  4. ↑ No evidence of the award can be found in the German National Archives. 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 member of the AKCR.[18]
  5. ↑ No evidence of the award can be found in the German National Archives, 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 H. Buch and W. Kment 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.[19]
  6. ↑ No evidence of the award can be found in the German National Archives. 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 "153" was assigned by the Association of Knight's Cross Recipients (AKCR). Bittrich was member of the AKCR.[20]
  7. ↑ Otto Meyer's date of death is inconclusive. According to Walther-Per Fellgiebel date of death is 24 August 1944 while Veit Scherzer presents 29 August 1944.[27][28]
  8. ↑ Werner Pötschke's date of death is inconclusive. According to Walther-Per Fellgiebel date of death is 21 March 1945 while Veit Scherzer presents 24 March 1945.[33][34]
  9. ↑ The recommendation for Franz Hack's Oak Leaves to the Knight's Cross was submitted to the Heerespersonalamt by the Division sometime between 16 and 19 April 1945 and approved by the commander of the IV. SS-Korps Herbert Otto Gille. Missing is the approval from the 6. Armee and Heeresgruppe Süd. There is no indication whether the recommendation was approved. The response from the Reichsführer-SS was prepared but missing is a date and signature. The existing card is not contemporary. There is no indication in the press that the award was presented. According to Fellgiebel Hack received the Oak Leaves from SS-Obergruppenführer and General of the SS Herbert-Otto Gille, commanding general IV. SS-Panzerkorps. The sequential number "844" and date of award were assigned by the Association of Knight's Cross Recipients (AKCR).[36]
  10. ↑ No evidence of the award can be found in the German National Archives. Fellgiebel claimed that Paul-Albert Kausch, at the time wounded in the Reich Chancellery, had received news that according to a radio message received from Panzer AOK 11 had been awarded the Oak Leaves on 23 April 1945 from SS-Brigadeführer Joachim Ziegler. Ziegler, the Division commander of Kausch, was killed in action on 1 May 1945. Krätschmer however indicated that Kausch was wounded 25 April, therefore he couldn’t have received the news on 25 April. The 11th SS Volunteer Panzergrenadier Division Nordland was only subordinated to the 11th Panzer Armee in February 1945. The Stab of the 11th Panzer Army then relocated to the Western front where it surrendered on 21 April. Krätschmer claimed that the award was presented for the actions during the middle of April east of Berlin. Mr. J.S. Fischer, who was verifying the Oak Leaves presentation on behalf of Fellgiebel is not aware of a radio message received from the Panzer AOK 11. Fischer indicated that he only referenced the information presented by Kausch, which is already stated in Krätschmer. According to information by Fischer on 14 October 2004, Fellgiebel had made the note about the Panzer AOK 11. The sequential number "845" was assigned by the Association of Knight's Cross Recipients (AKCR), according to Krätschmer the number is "846", the date was accepted by the AKCR. Kausch was member of the AKCR.[37]
  11. ↑ No evidence of the award to Werner Ostendorff can be found in the German National Archives. 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 "861" was assigned by the Association of Knight's Cross Recipients (AKCR).[39]
  12. ↑ No evidence of the award can be found in the German National Archives. 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 "862" was assigned by the Association of Knight's Cross Recipients (AKCR). Lehmann was member of the AKCR.[17]
  13. ↑ No evidence of the award can be found in the German National Archives. 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 "863" was assigned by the Association of Knight's Cross Recipients (AKCR). Karl Kreutz was member of the AKCR.[41]
  14. ↑ No evidence of the award can be found in the German National Archives. 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 "864" was assigned by the Association of Knight's Cross Recipients (AKCR). Werner was member of the AKCR.[17]
  15. ↑ Fellgiebel claims that the nomination was received by the Heerespersonalamt (HPA) via teleprinter from the commander-in-chief of the 9. Armee, general Theodor Busse, on 21 April 1945. Busse had nominated SS-Obergruppenführer Kleinheisterkamp for the Oak Leaves. The claim is that the teleprinter message contained a note that the formal procedure for immediate approval should be waited for (Dienstwegvorschlag bzgl. Sofortverleihung abwarten). This teleprinter message cannot be found in the German Nation Archives (Bestand RH 7). Busse had also nominated by teleprinter Generalmajor Joachim von Siegroth on 21 April. This teleprinter message can be found in the Nation Archives (Bundesarchiv RH 7/300). According to Fellgiebel the same note can be found on von Siegroth's nomination. This means that a formal nomination, in this instance via the Army Group Vistula, followed. Both announced "formal nominations" never followed and were never received by the HPA. The teleprinter message nomination of von Siegroth is listed in the book of "awarded Knight Crosses" with an entry date of 21 April but Kleinheisterkamp's nomination isn't. The reason for this may be that the liaison officer of the Waffen-SS at the HPA/P5a may have forwarded the nomination to the Reichsführer-SS for approval. From here it should have been returned to the HPA which it wasn't. The distribution list of von Siegroth's nomination indicates that general Busse had informed the Army Group Vistula and the chief of the HPA general Wilhelm Burgdorf. It is very likely that Kleinheisterkamp's nomination had the same distribution list as von Siegroth's, because the same principles applied. Burgdorf therefore should have been informed of the formal procedure regarding Kleinheisterkamp's nomination. The question remains unanswered whether the Führer Headquarter or Adolf Hitler has approved the direct nomination of Kleinheisterkamp on 28 April or not. Scherzer claims that this is very unlikely because Burgdorf would not have done two things. First, submit a nomination to the Führer without having assessed the situation himself, which only would have been possible if he had studied the formal paperwork. Secondly he would not have bypassed the formal procedure which was already initiated. Additionally the radio connection to the Führerbunker was down since 5:00 on 28 April 1945. The sequential number "871" was assigned by the Association of Knight's Cross Recipients (AKCR) and the date is assumed.[42]
  16. ↑ According to Fellgiebel on 2 May 1945 in the Battle of Halbe.[44]
  17. ↑ The nomination was received by the Heerespersonalamt (HPA) from the troop on 25 March 1943 and was approved by the commanding general of the III. (germ.) SS-Panzerkorps. Missing is the approval from the commander-in-chief of the 11. Armee, Army Group Vistula and from the Reichsführer-SS. The HPA created a formal nomination without a sequential number on 27 March 1945. Both nominations are retained in the Nation Archives. Both nominations give no information whether the nomination was approved and whether the Oak Leaves had been awarded. The nomination list of the higher grade of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves only dates the nomination entry on 25 March 1945. The Order Commission of the Association of Knight's Cross Recipients (AKCR) processed this case in 1974 and decided: yes, 872nd Oak Leaves. According to the AKCR the award was present in accordance with the Dönitz decree. This is illegal according to the Deutsche Dienststelle (WASt) and lacks legal justification. The sequential number "872" and date were assigned by the AKCR. Lohmann was a member of the AKCR.[45]
  18. ↑ Alfons Rebane's nomination was submitted to the Heeres Personalamt (Army Staff Office) on 12 April 1945. The archives only hold a copy of the nomination. There is no indication or remark that the nomination was processed. The nomination list for the higher grade of the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves dates the nomination on 2 April 1945. This list also gives no indication that the nomination had been processed. The Order Commission of the Association of Knight's Cross Recipients (AKCR) processed this case in 1974 and decided: 875th Oak Leaves on 8 May 1945. The sequential number "875" was assigned by the AKCR, the date was later changed by Fellgiebel to 9 May 1945. Rebane was member of the AKCR.[46]

References[]

Specific
  1. ↑ Scherzer 2007, pp. 117–186.
  2. ↑ "Reichsgesetzblatt Teil I S. 1573; 1 September 1939" (in German) (PDF). ALEX Österreichische Nationalbibliothek. http://alex.onb.ac.at/cgi-content/anno-plus?apm=0&aid=dra&datum=19390007&zoom=2&seite=00001573&ues=on&x=21&y=6. Retrieved 2008-02-21. 
  3. ↑ "Reichsgesetzblatt Teil I S. 849; 3 June 1940" (in German) (PDF). ALEX Österreichische Nationalbibliothek. http://alex.onb.ac.at/cgi-content/anno-plus?apm=0&aid=dra&datum=19400007&zoom=2&seite=00000849&ues=on&x=22&y=10. Retrieved 2008-02-21. 
  4. ↑ "Reichsgesetzblatt Teil I S. 613; 28 September 1941" (in German) (PDF). ALEX Österreichische Nationalbibliothek. http://alex.onb.ac.at/cgi-content/anno-plus?apm=0&aid=dra&datum=19410007&zoom=2&seite=00000613&ues=on&x=14&y=9. Retrieved 2008-02-21. 
  5. ↑ "Reichsgesetzblatt 1945 I S. 11; 29 December 1944" (in German) (PDF). ALEX Österreichische Nationalbibliothek. http://alex.onb.ac.at/cgi-content/anno-plus?apm=0&aid=dra&datum=19450007&zoom=2&seite=00000011&ues=on&x=14&y=10. Retrieved 2008-02-21. 
  6. ↑ Fellgiebel, p.112.
  7. ↑ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 36–38.
  8. ↑ Fellgiebel 2000, p. 41.
  9. ↑ Fellgiebel 2000, p. 42.
  10. ↑ Fellgiebel 2000, p. 43.
  11. ↑ Fellgiebel 2000, p. 44.
  12. ↑ Scherzer 2007, p. 128.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 Fellgiebel 2000, p. 44
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Fellgiebel 2000, p. 47.
  15. ↑ Berger 1999, p. 173.
  16. ↑ Scherzer 2007, p. 479.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 Scherzer 2007, p. 184.
  18. ↑ Scherzer 2007, p. 185.
  19. ↑ Scherzer 2007, p. 176.
  20. ↑ Scherzer 2007, p. 121.
  21. ↑ Fellgiebel 2000, p. 102.
  22. ↑ Fellgiebel 2000, p. 59.
  23. ↑ Fellgiebel 2000, p. 66.
  24. ↑ Fellgiebel 2000, p. 73.
  25. ↑ Fellgiebel 2000, p. 75.
  26. ↑ Fellgiebel 2000, p. 86.
  27. ↑ Fellgiebel 2000, p. 89.
  28. ↑ Scherzer 2007, p. 542.
  29. ↑ Fellgiebel 2000, p. 92.
  30. ↑ Fellgiebel 2000, p. 93.
  31. ↑ Fellgiebel 2000, p. 94.
  32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 Fellgiebel 2000, p. 96.
  33. ↑ 33.0 33.1 Fellgiebel 2000, p. 99.
  34. ↑ Scherzer 2007, p. 600.
  35. ↑ Fellgiebel 2000, p. 101.
  36. ↑ Scherzer 2007, pp. 136, 137.
  37. ↑ Scherzer 2007, p. 147.
  38. ↑ Scherzer 2007, p. 805.
  39. ↑ Scherzer 2007, p. 162.
  40. ↑ Scherzer 2007, p. 161.
  41. ↑ Scherzer 2007, p. 151.
  42. ↑ Scherzer 2007, p. 148.
  43. ↑ Scherzer 2007, p. 447.
  44. ↑ Fellgiebel 2000, p. 104.
  45. ↑ Scherzer 2007, p. 156.
  46. ↑ Scherzer 2007, p. 165.
General
  • Berger, Florian (1999). Mit Eichenlaub und Schwertern. Die höchstdekorierten Soldaten des Zweiten Weltkrieges (in German). Selbstverlag Florian Berger. ISBN 3-9501307-0-5.
  • Fellgiebel, Walther-Peer (2000). Die Träger des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939-1945 (in German). Wölfersheim-Berstadt, Germany: Podzun-Pallas. ISBN 3-7909-0284-5.
  • Krätschmer, Ernst-Günther (2000). Die Ritterkreuzträger der Waffen-SS (in German). Nation Europa Verlag GmbH. ISBN 3-920677-43-9.
  • von Seemen, Gerhard (1987). Die Ritterkreuzträger 1939–1945 (in German). Podzun-Pallas-Verlag GmbH. ISBN 3-7909-0051-6.
  • Scherzer, Veit (2007). Ritterkreuzträger 1939–1945 Die Inhaber des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939 von Heer, Luftwaffe, Kriegsmarine, Waffen-SS, Volkssturm sowie mit Deutschland verbündeter Streitkräfte nach den Unterlagen des Bundesarchives (in German). Jena, Germany: Scherzers Miltaer-Verlag. ISBN 978-3-938845-17-2.

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