Knight's Cross and Oak-Leaves Recipients 1941–45

This second title in Osprey's Elite series describes and illustrates a selection of recipients of the Knight’s Cross and Oak-Leaves between 1941 and early 1944.

The remarkable early successes of the armed forces of the Third Reich prompted the decision that the supreme decoration for personal valour or outstanding leadership – the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross – was insufficient.

To mark further acts of gallantry a new distinction was created in June 1940: the Oak-Leaves clasp. Further decorations in the form of the Swords and, finally, the Diamonds were added. This second title in our series describes and illustrates a selection of recipients of the Knight’s Cross and Oak-Leaves between 1941 and early 1944, when the Wehrmacht was engaged on all fronts, as well as at sea and in the air.