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.
Background
editThe 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
editThe Grand Cross of the Iron Cross is based on the enactment Reichsgesetzblatt I S. 1573 of 1 September 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
editThe "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[9] | Geschwaderkommodore of Schlachtgeschwader 2 "Immelmann"[8] | 29 December 1944[9] | at the same time promoted to Oberst[8] |
Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds
editThe "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.[10]
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
editYear | Number of presentations | Posthumous presentations |
---|---|---|
1941 | ||
1942 | ||
1943 | ||
1944 | ||
1945 |
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.[51] The number of the 160 Sword recipients is based on the analysis and acceptance of the order commission of the (AKCR).[52] Author 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.[53]
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
editYear | Number of presentations | Posthumous presentations |
---|---|---|
1940 | ||
1941 | ||
1942 | ||
1943 | ||
1944 | ||
1945 |
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).[52] Author 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.[53]
- List of Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves recipients (1940–1941)
- List of Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves recipients (1942)
- List of Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves recipients (1943)
- List of Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves recipients (1944)
- List of Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves recipients (1945)
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
editYear | Number of presentations | Posthumous presentations |
---|---|---|
1939 | ||
1940 | ||
1941 | ||
1942 | ||
1943 | ||
1944 | ||
1945 |
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).
- List of Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross recipients (A)
- List of Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross recipients (Ba–Bm)
- List of Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross recipients (Bn–Bz)
- List of Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross recipients (C)
- List of Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross recipients (D)
- List of Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross recipients (E)
- List of Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross recipients (F)
- List of Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross recipients (G)
- List of Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross recipients (Ha–Hm)
- List of Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross recipients (Hn–Hz)
- List of Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross recipients (I)
- List of Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross recipients (J)
- List of Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross recipients (Ka–Km)
- List of Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross recipients (Kn–Kz)
- List of Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross recipients (L)
- List of Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross recipients (M)
- List of Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross recipients (N)
- List of Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross recipients (O)
- List of Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross recipients (P)
- List of Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross recipients (Q)
- List of Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross recipients (R)
- List of Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross recipients (Sa–Schr)
- List of Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross recipients (Schu–Sz)
- List of Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross recipients (T)
- List of Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross recipients (U)
- List of Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross recipients (V)
- List of Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross recipients (W)
- List of Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross recipients (X)
- List of Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross recipients (Z)
Beginning letter | Recipients According to AKCR |
Additional recipients According to Veit Scherzer |
Delisted According to AKCR |
Disputed According to Veit Scherzer |
---|---|---|---|---|
A | 118[141] | —
|
1[142] | 3[143] |
Ba–Bm, Bn–Bz | 368[144] 357[145] = 725 | —
|
1[146] | 13[147] 8[148] = 21 |
C | 82[149] | —
|
—
|
—
|
D | 238[150] | —
|
—
|
6[151] |
E | 188[152] | —
|
—
|
3[153] |
F | 280[154] | —
|
1[155] | 12[156] |
G | 380[157] | —
|
1[158] | 11[159] |
Ha–Hm, Hn–Hz | 437[160] 224[161] = 661 | —
|
1[162] | 15[163] 14[164] = 29 |
I | 26[165] | —
|
—
|
—
|
J | 142[166] | —
|
1[155] | 4 |
Ka–Km, Kn–Kz | 289[167] 428[168] = 717 | —
|
1[169] | 4[170] 8[171] = 12 |
L | 386[172] | —
|
—
|
16[173] |
M | 457[174] | —
|
1 | 7 |
N | 145[175] | —
|
2[176] | 2[124] |
O | 82[177] | —
|
—
|
2[178] |
P | 324[179] | —
|
1 | 5[180] |
Q | 7[181] | —
|
—
|
—
|
R | 447[182] | 1[183] | —
|
11 |
Sa–Schr, Schu–Sz | 457[184] 603[185] = 1,060 | —
|
—
|
11[186] 14[187] = 25 |
T | 182[188] | —
|
—
|
5 |
U | 32[189] | —
|
—
|
1[190] |
V | 92[191] | —
|
—
|
5 |
W | 446[192] | —
|
—
|
11 |
X | 1 | —
|
—
|
—
|
Z | 103[193] | —
|
—
|
2[194] |
Totals | 7,321 | 1 | 11 | 193 |
Non-existent recipients
editSince 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.[195]
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 named Sachs 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.[195]
Foreign recipients
editForeign servicemen who did not serve in the German Wehrmacht or the Waffen-SS 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
edit- ^ According to Scherzer on 16 July 1941.[14]
- ^ According to Scherzer as commanding general of the I. SS-Panzerkorps.[36]
- ^ According to Scherzer on 16 July 1941.[55]
- ^ According to Scherzer as Hauptmann of the Reserves.[57]
- ^ According to Scherzer on 18 May 1942.[63]
- ^ According to Scherzer on 16 August 1942.[66]
- ^ According to Scherzer as leader of the III./Sturzkampfgeschwader 2 "Immelmann".[78]
- ^ According to Scherzer as Inspekteur der Nachtjagd in the Reichsluftfahrtministerium and commander of the 30. Jagd-Division[80]
- ^ According to Scherzer as chief of the 2./schwere SS-Panzer-Abteilung 101.[96]
- ^ According to Scherzer on 12 July 1944.[99]
- ^ 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.[100] The death sentence resulted in the loss of all orders and honorary signs.[101]
- ^ According to Scherzer on 3 August 1944.[104]
- ^ According to Scherzer on 27 August 1944.[107]
- ^ According to Scherzer as commanding general of the VI. SS-Freiwilligen Armeekorps[114]
- ^ According to Scherzer on 16 April 1945.[123]
- ^ 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.[124]
- ^ 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.[125] 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.[126]
- ^ 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), who counted Weidinger in their number.[128]
- ^ 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.[130]
- ^ 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.[131]
- ^ 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.[132]
- ^ 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.[133]
- ^ 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).[134]
- ^ 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.[136]
- ^ 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).[137]
- ^ 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.[138]
- ^ 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.[139]
Citations
edit- ^ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 113–460, 483, 485–487, 492, 494, 498–499, 501, 503, 509.
- ^ a b c Scherzer 2007, pp. 117–186.
- ^ "Reichsgesetzblatt Teil I S. 1573; 1 September 1939" (PDF). ALEX Österreichische Nationalbibliothek (in German). Reichsministerium des Inneren (Ministry of the Interior). Archived from the original on 31 March 2019. Retrieved 21 February 2008.
- ^ "Reichsgesetzblatt Teil I S. 849; 3 June 1940" (PDF). ALEX Österreichische Nationalbibliothek (in German). Reichsministerium des Inneren (Ministry of the Interior). Archived from the original on 31 March 2019. Retrieved 21 February 2008.
- ^ "Reichsgesetzblatt Teil I S. 613; 28 September 1941" (PDF). ALEX Österreichische Nationalbibliothek (in German). Reichsministerium des Inneren (Ministry of the Interior). Archived from the original on 31 March 2019. Retrieved 21 February 2008.
- ^ "Reichsgesetzblatt 1945 I S. 11; 29 December 1944" (PDF). ALEX Österreichische Nationalbibliothek (in German). Reichsministerium des Inneren (Ministry of the Interior). Archived from the original on 31 March 2019. Retrieved 21 February 2008.
- ^ a b c Fellgiebel 2000, p. 33.
- ^ a b c Fellgiebel 2000, p. 35.
- ^ a b c d e Williamson & Bujeiro 2006, p. 24.
- ^ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 36–38.
- ^ Williamson & Bujeiro 2006, p. 5.
- ^ a b c d e f g Fellgiebel 2000, p. 36.
- ^ a b c d Williamson & Bujeiro 2006, p. 6.
- ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 548.
- ^ a b c d e Williamson & Bujeiro 2006, p. 8.
- ^ a b c d e Williamson & Bujeiro 2006, p. 11.
- ^ a b c d e f Williamson & Bujeiro 2006, p. 13.
- ^ Williamson & Bujeiro 2006, pp. 13–14.
- ^ a b c d Williamson & Bujeiro 2006, p. 14.
- ^ a b Williamson & Bujeiro 2006, p. 16.
- ^ Williamson & Bujeiro 2006, p. 17".
- ^ Williamson & Bujeiro 2006, p. 18.
- ^ a b c d e f Williamson & Bujeiro 2006, p. 19.
- ^ a b c Williamson & Bujeiro 2006, p. 20.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Fellgiebel 2000, p. 37.
- ^ Williamson & Bujeiro 2006, p. 21.
- ^ a b c d e f Williamson & Bujeiro 2006, p. 22.
- ^ a b c Williamson & Bujeiro 2006, p. 23.
- ^ a b c d e Williamson & Bujeiro 2006, p. 27.
- ^ a b c Williamson & Bujeiro 2006, p. 28.
- ^ a b c Williamson & Bujeiro 2006, p. 29.
- ^ a b c d e f Williamson & Bujeiro 2006, p. 30.
- ^ a b Williamson & Bujeiro 2006, p. 31.
- ^ a b Williamson & Bujeiro 2006, p. 32.
- ^ a b Williamson & Bujeiro 2006, p. 41.
- ^ a b Scherzer 2007, p. 272.
- ^ a b c Williamson & Bujeiro 2006, p. 43.
- ^ a b c d e Williamson & Bujeiro 2006, p. 45.
- ^ a b c Williamson & Bujeiro 2006, p. 46.
- ^ a b c d e Williamson & Bujeiro 2006, p. 48.
- ^ a b Williamson & Bujeiro 2006, p. 49.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Fellgiebel 2000, p. 38.
- ^ a b c d e f g Williamson & Bujeiro 2006, p. 50.
- ^ a b Williamson & Bujeiro 2006, p. 51.
- ^ a b c d e Williamson & Bujeiro 2006, p. 52.
- ^ a b c d e Williamson & Bujeiro 2006, p. 54.
- ^ a b c Williamson & Bujeiro 2006, p. 56.
- ^ a b c d Williamson & Bujeiro 2006, p. 57.
- ^ a b c d e f Williamson & Bujeiro 2006, p. 58.
- ^ a b c Williamson & Bujeiro 2006, p. 59.
- ^ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 49–51.
- ^ a b Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 53–104.
- ^ a b Scherzer 2007, pp. 110–116, 128.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Fellgiebel 2000, p. 39.
- ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 576.
- ^ Williamson & Bujeiro 2006, p. 17.
- ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 199.
- ^ Williamson & Bujeiro 2005, p. 8.
- ^ Williamson & Bujeiro 2005, p. 9.
- ^ a b Williamson & Bujeiro 2005, p. 10.
- ^ Williamson & Bujeiro 2005, p. 11.
- ^ a b Williamson & Bujeiro 2005, p. 12.
- ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 344.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Fellgiebel 2000, p. 40.
- ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 720.
- ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 206.
- ^ a b c d Williamson & Bujeiro 2005, p. 16.
- ^ a b Williamson & Bujeiro 2005, p. 17.
- ^ a b Williamson & Bujeiro 2005, p. 15.
- ^ a b Williamson & Bujeiro 2006, p. 42.
- ^ a b Williamson & Bujeiro 2006, p. 26.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Fellgiebel 2000, p. 41.
- ^ a b Williamson & Bujeiro 2006, p. 44.
- ^ a b Williamson & Bujeiro 2005, p. 20.
- ^ Williamson & Bujeiro 2006, pp. 20–21.
- ^ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 41, 475.
- ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 271.
- ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 643.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p Fellgiebel 2000, p. 42.
- ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 385.
- ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 652.
- ^ Williamson & Bujeiro 2005, p. 21.
- ^ a b Williamson & Bujeiro 2005, p. 22.
- ^ a b Williamson & Bujeiro 2005, p. 25.
- ^ a b Williamson & Bujeiro 2006, p. 55.
- ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 531.
- ^ Williamson & Bujeiro 2005, p. 27.
- ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 688.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r Fellgiebel 2000, p. 43.
- ^ Williamson & Bujeiro 2005, p. 28.
- ^ Williamson & Bujeiro 2005, p. 29.
- ^ a b Scherzer 2007, p. 231.
- ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 486.
- ^ Williamson & Bujeiro 2005, p. 30.
- ^ a b Williamson & Bujeiro 2005, p. 31.
- ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 793.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p Fellgiebel 2000, p. 44.
- ^ Williamson & Bujeiro 2005, p. 41.
- ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 358.
- ^ O'Donnell 1978, pp. 182, 183, 215.
- ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 128.
- ^ Williamson & Bujeiro 2005, p. 42.
- ^ a b Williamson & Bujeiro 2005, p. 44.
- ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 675.
- ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 681.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p Fellgiebel 2000, p. 45.
- ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 347.
- ^ a b c Williamson & Bujeiro 2005, p. 53.
- ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 306.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Fellgiebel 2000, p. 46.
- ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 800.
- ^ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 46, 475.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q Fellgiebel 2000, p. 47.
- ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 479.
- ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 474.
- ^ Williamson & Bujeiro 2005, p. 46.
- ^ Williamson & Bujeiro 2005, p. 47.
- ^ a b Williamson & Bujeiro 2005, p. 49.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s Fellgiebel 2000, p. 48.
- ^ Williamson & Bujeiro 2005, p. 51.
- ^ Williamson & Bujeiro 2005, p. 52.
- ^ a b Williamson & Bujeiro 2005, p. 56.
- ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 685.
- ^ a b Scherzer 2007, p. 161.
- ^ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 49–50.
- ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 125.
- ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 267.
- ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 184.
- ^ Williamson & Bujeiro 2005, p. 60.
- ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 185.
- ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 176.
- ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 121.
- ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 134.
- ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 159.
- ^ a b c d e f Fellgiebel 2000, p. 49.
- ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 179.
- ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 157.
- ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 141.
- ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 123.
- ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 801.
- ^ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 113–118.
- ^ Fellgiebel 2000, p. 483.
- ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 117.
- ^ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 119–135, 485–486.
- ^ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 135–152, 487.
- ^ Fellgiebel 2000, p. 150.
- ^ Scherzer 2007, pp. 117–122.
- ^ Scherzer 2007, pp. 122–125.
- ^ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 152–156, 488.
- ^ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 156–167.
- ^ Scherzer 2007, pp. 126–127.
- ^ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 167–176.
- ^ Scherzer 2007, pp. 127–128.
- ^ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 176–189.
- ^ a b Fellgiebel 2000, p. 4.
- ^ Scherzer 2007, pp. 128–131.
- ^ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 154, 190–208, 488.
- ^ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 25–26.
- ^ Scherzer 2007, pp. 131–135.
- ^ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 208–228.
- ^ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 229–239.
- ^ Fellgiebel 2000, p. 492.
- ^ Scherzer 2007, pp. 136–141.
- ^ Scherzer 2007, pp. 141–145.
- ^ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 239–240.
- ^ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 241–247.
- ^ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 248–261.
- ^ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 261–281.
- ^ Fellgiebel 2000, p. 494.
- ^ Scherzer 2007, pp. 147–149.
- ^ Scherzer 2007, pp. 149–151.
- ^ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 282–299.
- ^ Scherzer 2007, pp. 151–157.
- ^ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 300–320, 498.
- ^ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 321–327.
- ^ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 499, 511.
- ^ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 327–331.
- ^ Scherzer 2007, pp. 161–162.
- ^ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 332–346, 499.
- ^ Scherzer 2007, pp. 162–163.
- ^ Fellgiebel 2000, p. 347.
- ^ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 347–368, 501.
- ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 630.
- ^ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 369–390.
- ^ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 390–418, 503.
- ^ Scherzer 2007, pp. 168–172.
- ^ Scherzer 2007, pp. 173–178.
- ^ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 418–427.
- ^ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 427–429.
- ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 180.
- ^ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 429–433.
- ^ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 433–455, 509.
- ^ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 455–460.
- ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 186.
- ^ a b Fellgiebel 2000, p. 511.
References
edit- Fellgiebel, Walther-Peer [in German] (2000) [1986]. Die Träger des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939–1945 — Die Inhaber der höchsten Auszeichnung des Zweiten Weltkrieges aller Wehrmachtteile [The Bearers of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross 1939–1945 — The Owners of the Highest Award of the Second World War of all Wehrmacht Branches] (in German). Friedberg, Germany: Podzun-Pallas. ISBN 978-3-7909-0284-6.
- O'Donnell, James Preston (1978). The Bunker: The History of the Reich Chancellery Group. Boston, United States: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 978-0-395-25719-7.
- Scherzer, Veit (2007). Die 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 [The Knight's Cross Bearers 1939–1945 The Holders of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross 1939 by Army, Air Force, Navy, Waffen-SS, Volkssturm and Allied Forces with Germany According to the Documents of the Federal Archives] (in German). Jena, Germany: Scherzers Miltaer-Verlag. ISBN 978-3-938845-17-2.
- Williamson, Gordon; Bujeiro, Ramiro (2005). Knight's Cross, Oak Leaves and Swords Recipients 1941–45. Oxford, United Kingdom: Osprey Publisher. ISBN 1-84176-643-7.
- Williamson, Gordon; Bujeiro, Ramiro (2006). Knight's Cross with Diamonds Recipients 1941–45. Oxford, United Kingdom: Osprey Publisher. ISBN 1-84176-644-5.
External links
edit- "Die Träger des Ritterkreuzes". Lexikon der Wehrmacht (in German). Archived from the original on 26 September 2018. Retrieved 2 January 2011.
- "Das Bundesarchiv". Military Archive - Freiburg im Breisgau. Archived from the original on 29 December 2010. Retrieved 2 January 2011.