Knights Cross of the Iron Cross with Leaf WW2 German Medal 1939 Ritterkreuz Repro. The Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (German language: Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes), or simply the Knight’s Cross (Ritterkreuz), was a grade of the 1939 version of the Iron Cross (Eisernes Kreuz), which had been created in 1813. The Knight’s Cross was the highest award made by Germany to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or outstanding military leadership during World War II. The Knight’s Cross grade of the Iron Cross was worn at the neck and was slightly larger but similar in appearance to the 1813 Iron Cross. It was legally based on the 1 September 1939 renewal of the Iron Cross. The order could be presented to German soldiers of all ranks and to soldiers from other Axis countries. Its first presentation was made on 30 September 1939, following the German Invasion of Poland, which marked the beginning of World War II in Europe. As the war progressed, some of the recipients distinguished themselves further, and a higher grade, the Oak Leaves to the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub), was instituted in 1940. In 1941, two higher grades of the Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves were instituted. These were the Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub und Schwertern) and the Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub, Schwertern und Brillanten). At the end of 1944 the final grade, the Knight’s Cross with Golden Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit goldenem Eichenlaub, Schwertern und Brillanten), was created. The Golden Oak Leaves to the Knight’s Cross was verifiably awarded only once, to Hans-Ulrich Rudel on 29 December 1944. Anyone interested in history will love this amazing piece of art! It is ideal to wear instead of Your issue Medal or for Displaying on uniforms and collections. For anyone who loves WW1/WW2 era or for collectors. Please take a look at our other Military items & Medals Listed in our Shop! Please contact our Customer Service if you need any help. Bad feedback so that we may. Try to resolve any issues or concerns you have experienced. The item “Knights Cross of the Iron Cross with Leaf WW2 German Medal 1939 Ritterkreuz Copy” is in sale since Wednesday, November 09, 2016. This item is in the category “Collectables\Militaria\World War II (1939-1945)\Medals/ Ribbons”. The seller is “goldbrothers13″ and is located in Okehampton, Devon. This item can be shipped worldwide.
- Type: Medals & Ribbons
- Conflict: World War II (1939-1945)
- Country/ Organization: Germany
- Era: 1914-1945