The Knight’s Cross of War Merit Cross was established on August 19, 1940, at the same time as the Medal for War Merit Cross. Its rank was above the German Gold or Silver Cross, but below the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross. It was awarded throughout the entire duration of the war, and due to its infrequent bestowal, its recipients held high prestige in the Nazi hierarchy, although not reaching the level of the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross. During the award ceremonies, grand celebrations were customary, often attended by Hitler himself, who also presented the decoration. High-ranking military generals and party leaders were also present.
The cross was presented in a blue box, with the interior lined with velvet and a space for the neck ribbon. In addition to the award document, an additional prize was often included.
A notable example is Dr. Theo Morell, Hitler’s physician, who received the Knight’s Cross without swords and, as a reward, the only electronic microscope in Germany.
A handful of recipients could not be publicized in the media due to their sensitive roles, as they could become targets of foreign spies or saboteurs. Dr. Ernst Blaicher, for instance, received the cross on November 15, 1943, for tank improvements.
The Knight’s Cross was worn around the neck, just like the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross, and did not have an alternative cloth suspension or similar.
In the image, the Knight’s Cross Of War Merit with Swords is shown, manufactured by Deschler München, made of silver.
The Knight’s Cross Of War Merit was only awarded to those who had previously received both classes, that is, the Cross for Military Merit 1st and 2nd class. All recommendations for the award of the cross were sent directly to Hitler, who approved or rejected them.
The Knight’s Cross without swords was awarded for achievements to civilians, state officials, and others not directly associated with the military. Hitler was interested in changing the criteria for obtaining the civilian Knight’s Cross to include individuals not linked to politics or the military. For this purpose, the Order of the German Eagle was created, which he used to honor his party colleagues. It is also documented that Hitler wanted to award Himmler with a decoration, but he couldn’t decide which one. Speer personally advised him not to bestow such an honor upon Himmler.
The Knight’s Cross Of War Merit with swords was awarded for exceptional military bravery not directly related to combat.
During the Third Reich, 211 Knight’s Crosses with swords for military merit and 48 without swords were awarded. These figures are not entirely accurate, as some recipients remained unnamed and may be revealed in the future.
In the image, the Knight’s Cross Of War Merit without Swords is shown, manufactured by Deschler München.
On July 7, 1944, Albert Speer led Hitler to consider an even higher decoration than the Knight’s Cross for Military Merit with and without swords. As a result, on October 13, 1944 (some sources indicate that it was established during a meeting between Hitler and Speer), the Knight’s Cross with Golden Swords was established. This decoration ranked above the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross but below the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves. It was identical to the Silver Cross but made of gold. It was manufactured both with and without swords, but only the latter was awarded. One of these presentations occurred on Hitler’s birthday, April 20, 1945, when Speer awarded crosses to Franz Hahne and Karl Otto. Only 19 such crosses were awarded until the end of the war.
It was rumored that the gold crosses were simply silver crosses gilded with gold. A few crosses were produced but never awarded. This described decoration is one of the rarest awards, and obtaining it is almost impossible.
Luftwaffe General Kühl, decorated with the Knight’s Cross Of War Merit with Swords.
Timeless-History
