The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, or commonly know as Ritterkreuz, was Germany's highest award in World War II and recognized extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership during the Third Reich period.
The Ritterkreuz was awarded in five grades:
Knight's Cross, Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes
Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves, mit Eichenlaub
Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords, mit Eichenlaub und Schwertern
Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords, and Diamonds, mit Eichenlaub, Schwertern und Brillianten
Knight's Cross with Golden Oak Leaves, Swords, and Diamonds, mit Goldenem Eichenlaub, Schwertern und Brillianten