Knight's Cross to the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves, and Swords

By Stephen Sherman, Nov. 2008. Updated July 15, 2011.

The "Swords," as the German aces called this award, was another (very high) level in the proliferation of German medals in World War Two. Only 159 were awarded.

From the original Iron Cross, first awarded in 1813, two classes were introduced, and then the "Knight's Cross to the Iron Cross." But then, there seemed a needed for higher levels of that, leading to:
Knight's Cross to the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves
Knight's Cross to the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves, and Swords
Knight's Cross to the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords, and Diamonds

Awarded To:

Officers and men of all ranks within any branch of the Wehrmacht, Waffen-SS or the auxiliary service organizations.

Luftwaffe Qualifications:
- The previous award of the Knight's Cross with Oakleaves, and
- Continued accumulation of points, 1 point for downing a single-engine aircraft, 2 points for a twin-engine aircraft and 3 points for a four-engine aircraft. All points were x2 at night. This total was continuously raised as the war went on.

Kriegsmarine Qualifications:
- The previous award of the Knight's Cross with Oakleaves, and
- Continued accumulation of tons of shipping sunk for Uboots, and/or
- Continued performance of outstanding actions of combat bravery above and beyond the call of duty.