German Service Awards

[cyberia]

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

[Jim O]

That's a beautiful photo. Do you know to whom that particular example was awarded and for what?

[cyberia]

Originally Posted by Jim O

That's a beautiful photo. Do you know to whom that particular example was awarded and for what?

I can sure find out for you, Jim.

[cyberia]

Originally Posted by Jim O

That's a beautiful photo. Do you know to whom that particular example was awarded and for what?

Hauptmann Hans Joachim Marseille

According to the book "Knights of the Iron Cross, Luftwaffe pilot Marseille arirved in North Africa in March of 1941 as an officer candiate. By February he had racked up 50 kills to his credit and was presented the Knight's Cross. On June 3rd that same year he engaged and shot down six enemy fighters in 11 minutes. In the next three days he managed to shoot down an additional 19 aircraft bringing his score to 75 kills.

He was awarded the Oak Leave to the Knight's Cross, those in the photograph, on June 6, 1942

But it does not end there.

On September 1, 1942, Marseille shot down 17 RAF fighters in just three sorties in the same day. Eight of those kills made in span of just ten minutes.
For this he was awarded the additional honor of the Swords and Diamonds.

The highest honor Germany could bestow.

Ironically, on September 30, 1942, Marseille's Bf 109 fighter developed engine trouble. As he bailed out he struck the tailplane of his aircraft and was killed instantly.

[Jim O]

Quite a career he had...

[cyberia]

And all in just under two years.

As has often been said, "Old men make wars, but it is the young that die young fighting them".

[Jim O]

Originally Posted by cyberia

As has often been said, "Old men make wars, but it is the young that die young fighting them".

And how true that is.

[lufttiger]

Is that bottom one, the one and only ever (Specially made for) Hans Rudel?
I think no one else ever received that highest rank but him?

[Panzermacher]

I believe LT is correct. Only Rudel got that one.

[cyberia]

Originally Posted by Panzermacher

I believe LT is correct. Only Rudel got that one.

Well, hate to disagree, but "Knights of the Iron Cross" states otherwise.

Working off official records it lists:

Winners of the Diamonds, 27.

Winners of the Swords, 159.

Thereby at least 27, including Rudel, were recipients of the whole package.

Rudel, however, was issued a special additional rank of the award, The Golden Swords. Instituted on December 29, 1944, and set aside for 12 recipients only. Although not specifically designed for Rudel, as the war worsened such matters were forgotten and Rudel wound up being the only one decorated with the advanced rank of the award.

Most histories however fail to distinguish between the Swords and Golden Swords, thereby leading to confusion over the award.

In fact, the was one award of the Swords made to a foreign solider during the war.

Anyone know who that was?