Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross

Rare card · No. 39625

The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross (German: Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes), or simply the Knight's Cross (Ritterkreuz), and its variants, were the highest awards in the military and paramilitary forces of Nazi Germany during World War II. It was lower in precedence than the Grand Cross of the Iron Cross, an award, though, that was never awarded at large to Nazi German military and paramilitary forces. The Grand Cross's sole award was made to Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring in July 1940, making the Knight's Cross (specifically, the Knight's Cross with Golden Oak Leaves, Swords, and Diamonds grade) the de facto highest award among the decorations of Nazi Germany. The Knight's Cross was awarded for a wide range of reasons and across all ranks, from a senior commander for skilled leadership of his troops in battle to a low-ranking soldier for a single act of military valour. Presentations were made to members of the three military branches of the Wehrmacht: the Heer (army), the Kriegsmarine...

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