Ritterkreuzträger with Wickelgamaschen (Puttee)

During World War II, the Wehrmacht often use Wickelgamaschen, commonly known as puttees, as a standard part of the infantry uniform to provide support and protection for the lower legs. These long strips of wool or cotton fabric were wrapped tightly around the ankles and calves over the boots and under the trousers, helping to prevent dirt, sand, and insects from entering the footwear while offering additional ankle stability during long marches. Issued to nearly all branches of the Heer, Wickelgamaschen were particularly common among frontline infantry units such as the Infanterie-Regimenter and Gebirgsjäger divisions, where they proved practical in varied terrains from the Eastern Front to North Africa. Although later replaced in some units by more modern short gaiters or Schnürschuhe with integrated ankle protection, many soldiers continued wearing the traditional Wickelgamaschen throughout the war, often paired with the standard Feldgrau uniform, Eisernes Kreuz medals, and other decorations. Their simple, inexpensive design made them a reliable and iconic element of the Wehrmacht soldier’s appearance until the final days of the conflict.

General der Infanterie Joachim Witthöft (1887-1966) was a German general who served with distinction in the Wehrmacht during World War II. He commanded the 86. Infanterie-Division during the early years of the war on the Eastern Front, where his leadership in defensive and offensive operations earned him the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 14 December 1941 as Generalleutnant. Later in the conflict, Witthöft was assigned to the Italian front, serving as Military Commander Upper Italy with responsibilities in the Liguria region and Alto Adige, where he oversaw German occupation forces and defensive preparations along the Ligurian coast and Brenner Pass approaches following Italy’s 1943 armistice with the Allies. His steady command in these critical rear-area and coastal defense roles during the final phases of the Italian campaign further highlighted his experience, though the Ritterkreuz itself was awarded for his earlier achievements with the 86. Infanterie-Division.

Generalleutnant Ludwig Müller (center, Kommandeur 97. Jäger-Division), affectionately called “Wurselsepp” with genuine Bavarian humor by his soldiers, discuss details of the operations with his officers. The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Beissel on 6 November 1943. Only two weeks previously - on 25 October 1943 - Divisionskommandeur Müller was awarded with the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes for his leadership of the 97. Jäger-Division during the campaign for the Kuban bridgehead, and in particular the fighting for Hill 114.1 (east of Moldawanskoje) in the time period 16 July - 14 September 1943. Here the Soviets tried many times, in vain, to seize this important hill from which all their movements in the area could be observed. It was only following the German evacuation of the Kuban bridgehead that this hill finally fell into their hands.

Source :
https://alifrafikkhan.blogspot.com/2021/09/wickelgamaschen-puttee-bingkap-kain.html
https://audiovis.nac.gov.pl/obraz/1498/
https://www.ebay.de/itm/395095426624?itmmeta=01HQMHYVC75J8VGRQT5RD2MRB3&hash=item5bfd85c640:g:BoYAAOSwdVBljbZ9

Ritterkreuzträger of 7. Unterseebootsflottille (7th U-boat Flotilla)

The 7. Unterseebootsflottille, also known as the 7th U-boat Flotilla, was one of the most formidable and active units of the Kriegsmarine during the Second World War. Formed in 1940 and primarily based at St. Nazaire on the French Atlantic coast after the fall of France, the flotilla played a central role in the Battle of the Atlantic, sending dozens of Type VII and Type IX U-boats into the treacherous waters to target Allied convoys. Under successive commanders including Kapitänleutnant Herbert Sohler and later Korvettenkapitän Ernst Mengersen, its submarines achieved significant successes in disrupting supply lines to Britain, with notable aces such as Otto Kretschmer and Erich Topp serving within its ranks and earning prestigious awards like the Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub und Schwertern. Despite suffering heavy losses as Allied anti-submarine measures intensified from 1943 onward, the 7. Unterseebootsflottille remained operational until the final months of the war, embodying the aggressive submarine doctrine of Großadmiral Karl Dönitz while enduring the brutal attrition that ultimately contributed to Germany's defeat at sea.

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U-47


Korvettenkapitän Günther Prien (1908-1941), one of the most celebrated commanders of the Kriegsmarine’s U-Bootwaffe, gained legendary status during the early years of World War II as the captain of U-47. On the night of 14 October 1939, Prien executed a daring penetration of the heavily defended British naval base at Scapa Flow, where he torpedoed and sank the battleship HMS Royal Oak, resulting in the loss of over 800 British sailors. This bold operation made him an instant hero in Germany and earned him the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 18 October 1939, making him the first U-boat commander to receive the prestigious award, which was personally presented by Adolf Hitler. Prien continued his successful career in the Atlantic, sinking numerous Allied ships, and on 20 October 1940 he was further honored with the Eichenlaub (Oak Leaves) to his Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes for his outstanding achievements and a total tonnage exceeding 200,000 tons sunk. His career ended tragically when U-47 was lost with all hands on 7 March 1941, likely sunk by British escorts in the North Atlantic.

Source :
https://alifrafikkhan.blogspot.com/2023/05/foto-7-unterseebootsflottille-7th-u.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/7th_U-boat_Flotilla

Ritterkreuzträger of U-bootwaffe (Submarine Force)

The German U-Boot force of the Kriegsmarine played a pivotal role in World War II, particularly during the Battle of the Atlantic, where Admiral Karl Dönitz orchestrated aggressive wolfpack tactics to sever Allied supply lines across the vast ocean expanses. From the opening days of the conflict in 1939, sleek Type VII and Type IX submarines prowled the depths, achieving devastating success under commanders such as Günther Prien, who famously sank the HMS Royal Oak, and Otto Kretschmer, the leading U-Boot ace with over 266,000 tons of shipping destroyed. These underwater predators sank more than 3,000 merchant vessels and numerous warships, nearly starving Britain into submission during the early war years, yet their operations came at a staggering cost as Allied advancements in radar, sonar, codebreaking, and escort carriers gradually turned the tide, resulting in the loss of over 780 U-Boote and most of their crews by 1945. Despite the mounting attrition, the force earned legendary status through decorations like the Ritterkreuz, awarded to elite commanders for extraordinary feats of bravery and operational prowess, embodying the daring and technological innovation of Nazi Germany's naval warfare strategy until its ultimate defeat.

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Korvettenkapitän Günther Prien (1908-1941), one of the most celebrated commanders of the Kriegsmarine’s U-Bootwaffe, gained legendary status during the early years of World War II as the captain of U-47. On the night of 14 October 1939, Prien executed a daring penetration of the heavily defended British naval base at Scapa Flow, where he torpedoed and sank the battleship HMS Royal Oak, resulting in the loss of over 800 British sailors. This bold operation made him an instant hero in Germany and earned him the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 18 October 1939, making him the first U-boat commander to receive the prestigious award, which was personally presented by Adolf Hitler. Prien continued his successful career in the Atlantic, sinking numerous Allied ships, and on 20 October 1940 he was further honored with the Eichenlaub (Oak Leaves) to his Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes for his outstanding achievements and a total tonnage exceeding 200,000 tons sunk. His career ended tragically when U-47 was lost with all hands on 7 March 1941, likely sunk by British escorts in the North Atlantic.

Source :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U-boat

Ritterkreuzträger of Kriegsmarine (German Navy)

The Kriegsmarine, officially established in 1935 as the naval branch of the Wehrmacht following the renunciation of the Treaty of Versailles, served as Nazi Germany's primary maritime force until its dissolution in 1945. Under the command of Großadmiral Erich Raeder and later Karl Dönitz, it rapidly expanded from a modest fleet inherited from the Reichsmarine into a formidable navy focused on surface raiders and submarine warfare. Iconic capital ships such as the battleships Bismarck and Tirpitz, the pocket battleship Admiral Graf Spee, and the battlecruisers Scharnhorst and Gneisenau conducted high-profile operations, while the U-Bootwaffe waged a devastating but ultimately unsuccessful campaign in the Battle of the Atlantic against Allied convoys. Despite notable early successes like the sinking of HMS Hood, the Kriegsmarine faced overwhelming numerical superiority from the Royal Navy and United States Navy, compounded by fuel shortages and Allied air power. Its personnel earned distinctions such as the U-Boot-Kriegsabzeichen and the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes for extraordinary bravery, yet by 1945 the force had been largely neutralized, with surviving elements surrendering at the end of the war in Europe.

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EICHENLAUBTRÄGER


Korvettenkapitän Günther Prien (1908-1941), one of the most celebrated commanders of the Kriegsmarine’s U-Bootwaffe, gained legendary status during the early years of World War II as the captain of U-47. On the night of 14 October 1939, Prien executed a daring penetration of the heavily defended British naval base at Scapa Flow, where he torpedoed and sank the battleship HMS Royal Oak, resulting in the loss of over 800 British sailors. This bold operation made him an instant hero in Germany and earned him the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 18 October 1939, making him the first U-boat commander to receive the prestigious award, which was personally presented by Adolf Hitler. Prien continued his successful career in the Atlantic, sinking numerous Allied ships, and on 20 October 1940 he was further honored with the Eichenlaub (Oak Leaves) to his Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes for his outstanding achievements and a total tonnage exceeding 200,000 tons sunk. His career ended tragically when U-47 was lost with all hands on 7 March 1941, likely sunk by British escorts in the North Atlantic.

Source :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kriegsmarine

Ritterkreuzträger of Jagdgeschwader 2 (JG 2) "Richthofen"

Jagdgeschwader 2, commonly known as JG 2 Richthofen, was one of the most elite and successful fighter wings of the German Luftwaffe during World War II. Established in 1939 and named in honor of the legendary World War I ace Manfred von Richthofen, the unit first saw combat in the invasion of Poland before playing a prominent role in the Battle of France and the Battle of Britain, where it clashed fiercely with the Royal Air Force. Throughout the war, JG 2 operated primarily on the Western Front, defending occupied Europe against Allied bomber streams and fighter sweeps, and later participated in the Normandy campaign and the Defense of the Reich. The Geschwader produced numerous high-scoring Experten, including aces such as Helmut Wick, Walter Oesau, and Erich Rudorffer, many of whom were awarded the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes with various grades for their aerial victories. Despite suffering heavy losses in the later years of the conflict due to overwhelming Allied numerical superiority, JG 2 maintained a reputation for aggressive tactics and skilled piloting until the final days of the war in 1945.

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Major Helmut Wick (1915-1940) was a highly decorated Luftwaffe fighter pilot and one of the leading aces of the Battle of Britain, serving with Jagdgeschwader 2 "Richthofen." Born on 5 August 1915, Wick quickly rose through the ranks due to his exceptional skill in aerial combat, claiming numerous victories flying the Messerschmitt Bf 109. He received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 27 August 1940 after achieving his 25th aerial victory, recognizing his outstanding bravery and leadership as a Staffelkapitän. Just weeks later, on 21 October 1940, following his 42nd victory, he was awarded the Eichenlaub zum Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, becoming the fourth Luftwaffe pilot to receive this prestigious higher grade of the Knight's Cross. Wick's meteoric career ended tragically on 28 November 1940 when he was shot down over the English Channel after claiming his 56th victory, cementing his legacy as a fearless Jagdflieger whose rapid accumulation of kills exemplified the intense air war over Britain in 1940.

Source :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jagdgeschwader_2

Ritterkreuzträger of Jagdgeschwader 26 (JG 26) "Schlageter"

Jagdgeschwader 26, commonly known as JG 26, was one of the most renowned fighter wings of the German Luftwaffe during World War II, distinguished by its aggressive combat record and elite pilots operating primarily on the Western Front. Formed in 1939 and bearing the honorary name Schlageter, the Geschwader first saw major action during the Battle of France and the subsequent Battle of Britain, where it engaged fiercely with the Royal Air Force before shifting to defensive operations over occupied Europe and the Reich against growing Allied bomber streams. Equipped initially with the Messerschmitt Bf 109 and later transitioning to the superior Focke-Wulf Fw 190, JG 26 produced numerous high-scoring aces, including Geschwaderkommodore Adolf Galland, who earned the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub, Schwertern und Brillanten for his leadership and victories. Throughout the war, the unit maintained a reputation for tactical skill and tenacity despite mounting losses, continuing operations until the collapse of German forces in 1945.

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Adolf Galland, one of the most celebrated fighter pilots of the Luftwaffe, earned his Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 22 August 1940 while serving as Gruppenkommandeur of II./Jagdgeschwader 26 during the Battle of Britain, after achieving 17 aerial victories. His impressive combat record continued to grow, leading to the award of the Eichenlaub on 21 June 1941 for reaching 40 victories, followed by the Schwerter on 28 February 1942 upon surpassing 100 kills, at which point he was already Geschwaderkommodore of Jagdgeschwader 26. Galland's extraordinary leadership and continued success in the air culminated in the highest grade, the Brillanten zum Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, which was personally presented to him by Adolf Hitler on 29 January 1942, making him only the second Luftwaffe pilot to receive this prestigious decoration after Werner Mölders.

Source :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jagdgeschwader_26

Ritterkreuzträger of Jagdgeschwader 51 (JG 51) "Mölders"

Jagdgeschwader 51, often abbreviated as JG 51, was one of the most distinguished fighter wings of the German Luftwaffe during World War II, formed in 1939 and quickly establishing a formidable reputation across multiple campaigns. The unit played key roles in the invasions of Poland and France, the intense air battles over Britain, and especially on the Eastern Front where it operated from 1941 onward, claiming well over 8,000 aerial victories while flying aircraft such as the Messerschmitt Bf 109. Commanded for a time by the legendary ace Werner Mölders, JG 51 produced numerous high-scoring Experten who were awarded prestigious decorations including the Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub, Schwertern und Brillanten, the Deutsches Kreuz in Gold, and multiple classes of the Eisernes Kreuz, reflecting the wing's exceptional combat effectiveness and heavy involvement in some of the war's most critical aerial operations until its eventual dissolution in 1945.

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BRILLANTENTRÄGER

Werner Mölders, serving as Kommodore of Jagdgeschwader 51, received the Eichenlaub on 21 September 1940 after becoming the first fighter pilot to achieve 40 aerial victories during the Battle of Britain, and the award was personally presented to him by Adolf Hitler in the Reich Chancellery in Berlin two days later. On 22 June 1941, the opening day of Operation Barbarossa, Mölders claimed multiple Soviet aircraft which brought his total to over 70 victories, earning him the Schwerter that was formally awarded by Hitler on 3 July 1941. Shortly after, on 15 July 1941, following his 101st aerial victory and becoming the first pilot in history to surpass 100 kills, he was awarded the Brillanten, the highest grade of the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, as its inaugural recipient, with the presentation taking place at the Wolfsschanze on 26 July 1941.

Source :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jagdgeschwader_51

Ritterkreuzträger of Jagdgeschwader 53 (JG 53) "Pik-As"

Jagdgeschwader 53, commonly known as the Pik As Geschwader, was one of the most distinguished fighter wings of the German Luftwaffe during the Second World War, operating primarily with the Messerschmitt Bf 109 from the invasion of Poland in 1939 through to the final defense of the Reich in 1945. Formed in 1939, the unit saw intense combat across multiple theaters including the Battle of Britain, the invasion of the Soviet Union on the Eastern Front, and operations in the Mediterranean and North Africa, where it achieved remarkable aerial victories while suffering heavy losses against increasingly superior Allied forces. Under successive commanders, JG 53 produced numerous high-scoring Experten who earned prestigious awards such as the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes with Eichenlaub, Schwerter, and even Brillanten, with the Geschwader claiming well over 3,500 aerial victories by the end of the war. Despite their elite status and the iconic Ace of Spades emblem painted on their aircraft, the pilots of Jagdgeschwader 53 faced the grim realities of a collapsing war effort, ultimately surrendering to advancing Allied forces in 1945 after years of courageous but ultimately futile defense of German airspace.

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RITTERKREUZTRÄGER

On 29 May 1940, during the Battle of France, Hauptmann Werner Mölders, serving as Gruppenkommandeur of III./Jagdgeschwader 53, was awarded the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes in recognition of his outstanding achievements as a fighter pilot, becoming the first in the Luftwaffe to receive this prestigious medal. Having already demonstrated exceptional skill in aerial combat, Mölders reached his 20th victory on 27 May by downing two Curtiss Hawks southwest of Amiens, which pushed his total beyond the threshold for the award and highlighted his tactical prowess and leadership in intense dogfights against Allied forces. The formal presentation of the Ritterkreuz underscored his pivotal role in securing air superiority for German operations in the West, cementing his reputation as one of the finest aces of the early war years.

Source :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jagdgeschwader_53

Ritterkreuzträger of Heer (German Army)

The German Army, known as the Heer within the Wehrmacht, underwent rapid expansion from 1935 following Adolf Hitler's repudiation of the Treaty of Versailles, transforming from a small 100,000-man Reichswehr into a formidable force of millions by 1939 through conscription and rearmament. Equipped with innovative Panzerdivisionen and motorized units, it pioneered Blitzkrieg tactics that delivered swift victories in the invasion of Poland in 1939 and the Fall of France in 1940, followed by grueling campaigns in the Balkans and North Africa with the famed Deutsches Afrikakorps. The 1941 launch of Operation Barbarossa against the Soviet Union saw massive encirclements by units like the 6. Armee and 4. Panzerarmee, yet overextension led to catastrophic defeats at Stalingrad and Kursk, where soldiers earned prestigious awards such as the Eisernes Kreuz and the coveted Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes for bravery. As the war turned, the Heer fought desperate defensive battles on multiple fronts, incorporating elite formations like the Großdeutschland Division, until its ultimate collapse in May 1945 amid the ruins of Berlin, marking the end of one of history's most mechanized and controversial military machines.

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SCHWERTERTRÄGER


Generaloberst Eduard Dietl (1890-1944), the "Hero of Narvik," was a decorated German general whose military career epitomized the Wehrmacht's mountain warfare expertise during World War II. Born in 1890 in Bad Aibling, Bavaria, Dietl rose through the ranks as a veteran of World War I and a committed Nazi supporter, earning command of the 3. Gebirgs-Division. His greatest fame came during the 1940 invasion of Norway, where he led a daring defense of Narvik against superior Allied forces despite isolation and harsh Arctic conditions; for these achievements, he received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 9 May 1940 as a Generalleutnant. Just two months later, on 19 July 1940, he became the very first German soldier awarded the Eichenlaub to the Ritterkreuz for his leadership in Poland and Norway, an honor that propelled him to promotion and national celebrity as one of Hitler's favored commanders. Dietl later commanded Gebirgskorps Norwegen and the 20. Gebirgsarmee in the Arctic theater. He received the Schwerter to his Ritterkreuz posthumously on 1 July 1944 as Generaloberst, shortly after his death in a plane crash on 23 June 1944 near Hochwedel, Austria—cementing his legacy as one of the elite recipients of the highest grades of Nazi Germany's premier military decoration.

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EICHENLAUBTRÄGER


Hauptmann Rudolf Schlee (1913-1979), a highly decorated soldier of the Wehrmacht who was born on 10 November 1913 in Ludwigshafen, Rheinland Provinz (German Empire), served as a platoon leader in the 6./Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 13 during World War II and demonstrated exceptional bravery in various campaigns. He earned the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 23 October 1941 as Oberfeldwebel for his leadership and courage during intense combat operations, particularly in the mountain warfare contexts following the campaigns in the Balkans and the advance into the Soviet Union. His repeated acts of valor continued to stand out in the harsh fighting in the Caucasus region, where he led his Jäger platoon with outstanding initiative and determination, ultimately leading to the award of the Eichenlaub zum Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes as the 222nd recipient on 6 April 1943. Schlee later rose to the rank of Hauptmann and survived the war, becoming one of the notable recipients of these prestigious German decorations for his frontline service.

Oberst Andreas von Aulock (1893–1968) was a highly decorated Colonel in the Wehrmacht during World War II, best remembered for his tenacious defensive actions on both the Eastern and Western fronts. As commander of Grenadier-Regiment 226 of the 79. Infanterie-Division, he earned the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 6 November 1943 for his outstanding leadership and bravery during intense fighting in the Kuban bridgehead, where his regiment played a key role in stabilizing German positions against superior Soviet forces. Later, in August 1944, while serving as military commander of the fortress of Saint-Malo in Normandy, von Aulock led a determined resistance against advancing American troops, holding the ancient citadel under heavy bombardment until ammunition and supplies were nearly exhausted. For this fanatical defense, which inflicted significant casualties on the Allies despite being vastly outnumbered, he was awarded the Eichenlaub zum Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 16 August 1944—personally presented by Adolf Hitler—just one day before he finally surrendered the remaining garrison on 17 August 1944. His Ritterkreuz medals highlighted the Wehrmacht’s recognition of both tactical skill on the Eastern Front and unyielding fortress defense in the West.

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RITTERKREUZTRÄGER

-1940-

Oberstleutnant Alexander von Arentschildt (1911-1999), a highly capable Panzer officer, served as chief of the 2. Kompanie, Panzer-Abteilung 67 during the early campaigns of World War II. For his outstanding leadership and bravery during the Battle of France in 1940, particularly in the rapid advance and capture of key objectives such as La Capelle and other actions supporting the breakthrough toward the Channel coast, he was awarded the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 5 August 1940. His unit’s successes in penetrating enemy lines, destroying French armored forces, and maintaining momentum under difficult conditions were cited as decisive factors in the recommendation for this prestigious medal. Von Arentschildt’s tactical skill and personal courage exemplified the aggressive spirit of the German Panzer troops in the Blitzkrieg phase of the war.

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-1941-


Generalleutnant Wilhelm von Apell (1892-1969) was a German officer who served with distinction in both World Wars and rose to the rank of Generalleutnant in the Wehrmacht. Born on 16 January 1892 in Bückeburg, he commanded the 9. Schützen-Brigade during the early stages of Operation Barbarossa and was awarded the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 14 May 1941 for his outstanding leadership and bravery in the successful breakthrough of strong enemy defensive positions near Stracin in Serbia and the Klidi Pass during the Balkan Campaign. His decisive actions in coordinating armored and motorized infantry assaults played a key role in the rapid advance of German forces, demonstrating exceptional tactical skill under intense combat conditions. Later in the war, von Apell went on to command the 22. Panzer-Division, further cementing his reputation as a capable panzer commander.



Generaloberst Hans-Jürgen von Arnim (1889-1962) was a German general who played a significant role in the Wehrmacht during World War II, most notably commanding the 17. Panzer-Division during the early stages of Operation Barbarossa. On 4 September 1941, he was awarded the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes for his outstanding leadership of the division as part of Panzergruppe 2 under Generaloberst Heinz Guderian. During the first week of the invasion of the Soviet Union, von Arnim’s panzer division distinguished itself by participating in the capture of Brest-Litovsk, helping to seal the Bialystok pocket by capturing Slonim, and rapidly advancing to the southern edge of Minsk, achieving deep penetrations that contributed to the encirclement of large Soviet forces. Despite being wounded in action near Stolpce on 28 June 1941, von Arnim’s decisive command and the aggressive performance of his troops earned him this high military honor while he was recovering in hospital. He later went on to command higher formations, including the XXXIX. Panzerkorps and eventually 5. Panzerarmee in Tunisia.

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-1942-


Oberleutnant Karl Hausmann (1912-1997), born on 10 January 1912 in Neuweistritz-Habelschwerdt, Silesia, rose to prominence during the intense fighting on the Eastern Front. Serving initially with Infanterie-Regiment 28 of the 8. Infanterie-Division and later with Jäger-Regiment 28 of the 8. leichte-Division (redesignated as 8. Jäger-Division), he participated in campaigns in Poland, the West, and Operation Barbarossa before distinguishing himself in the brutal winter battles of 1942. As Oberfeldwebel and Führer of 3.Kompanie / I.Bataillon / Jäger-Regiment 28, Hausmann earned the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 15 May 1942 for his outstanding bravery and decisive leadership during Operation Bruckenschlag, the relief effort to break through to the encircled German forces in the Demyansk Pocket. In extreme winter conditions with temperatures below -30 degrees Celsius, deep snow, and fierce Soviet resistance, he personally led his Jäger troops in repeated assaults on fortified enemy positions near the Lovat River and Ramushewo, overcoming machine-gun fire and counterattacks through hand-to-hand combat and determined advances that helped secure the vital corridor, turning a stalled attack into a successful link-up with the trapped troops.

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-1943-


Oberleutnant der Reserve Joachim Hundert (1920-1944) was born on 22 January 1920 in Mayen, Rhine Province. He joined the Wehrmacht in November 1938 and rose through the ranks to become Leutnant der Reserve and later Oberleutnant der Reserve. He commanded the 5. Kompanie of Infanterie-Regiment 124, which was later redesignated as Grenadier-Regiment 124, participating in major campaigns including the Battle of France, the Siege of Sevastopol, and intense fighting on the Eastern Front. For his exceptional leadership and bravery in combat, particularly during defensive and offensive operations in the East, he was awarded the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 15 January 1943 as Führer of the 5./Grenadier-Regiment 124. Hundert continued to serve until he was killed in action on 9 August 1944 near Glazow, Poland, at the age of 24, leaving behind a legacy of courage recognized by one of the highest honors in the German military.

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-1944-


Oberstleutnant Franz Pöschl (1917-2011), a highly decorated officer in the Wehrmacht during the Second World War, earned his Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes through exceptional leadership and bravery while serving with Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 100 of the 5. Gebirgs-Division. Born in Munich in 1917, Pöschl had already distinguished himself in earlier campaigns, including the invasions of Poland, Greece, and Crete, as well as intense fighting on the Eastern Front where he received the Deutsches Kreuz in Gold. His defining moment came during the Battle of Monte Cassino in January 1944, when, as Hauptmann and commander of I. Bataillon/Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 100, he personally led multiple counterattacks under heavy fire to repel assaults by Allied forces, including the French Expeditionary Corps, holding critical positions such as Monte Cifalco and preventing the outflanking of German lines despite sustaining serious wounds. For this extraordinary valor and decisive action that helped stabilize the Gustav Line defenses, he was awarded the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 23 February 1944. Later commanding Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 143 in the Lapland War, Pöschl rose to the rank of Oberstleutnant before the war's end, his Ritterkreuz standing as a testament to his frontline heroism amid some of the conflict's most grueling mountain and defensive battles.

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-1945-

Oberst Joachim von Amsberg (1903-1981), born on 18 December 1903, was a highly decorated Colonel in the Wehrmacht during World War II who served as commander of Grenadier-Regiment 502 within the 290. Infanterie-Division, particularly distinguishing himself in the fierce defensive battles of the Courland Pocket on the Eastern Front. He earned the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes for his exceptional leadership and personal bravery between 17 and 28 March 1945, when his regiment played a decisive role in the destruction of encircled Soviet forces, including the 8th Guards Rifle Division and elements of the 47th Guards Rifle Division east of Lapuki, through inspiring energy, ruthless determination, and skillful tactical maneuvers that helped stabilize the German lines under intense pressure. Although the award was formally dated 9 May 1945 in the final days of the war, it was later officially recognized by the postwar Order Commission in 1981 as valid on 6 May 1945, underscoring von Amsberg's reputation as a steadfast and courageous infantry leader in one of the conflict's most grueling campaigns.

Source :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_Army_(1935%E2%80%931945)

Ritterkreuzträger of Luftwaffe (German Air Force)

The Luftwaffe, officially established in 1935 as the aerial warfare branch of the Wehrmacht under the command of Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring, emerged as one of the most formidable air forces of its era, playing a pivotal role in Germany's early Blitzkrieg campaigns across Europe. From the Condor Legion's involvement in the Spanish Civil War to the devastating aerial assaults during the invasion of Poland in 1939 and the Battle of France in 1940, its squadrons of Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighters, Junkers Ju 87 Stuka dive-bombers, and Heinkel He 111 bombers secured rapid victories through superior tactics and coordination with ground forces. During the Battle of Britain in 1940, however, the Luftwaffe faced its first major setback against the Royal Air Force, failing to achieve air superiority despite intense dogfights involving Jagdgeschwader units. On the Eastern Front from 1941 onward, it supported massive operations like Barbarossa but gradually lost momentum due to overextension, harsh weather, and Soviet resilience, while aces such as Erich Hartmann earned the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes with Oak Leaves, Swords, and Diamonds for their extraordinary victories. As the war progressed into 1943-1945, Allied strategic bombing campaigns decimated German production and airfields, forcing the Luftwaffe into desperate defensive roles with innovative but limited jet aircraft like the Messerschmitt Me 262, until fuel shortages and pilot attrition led to its effective collapse by the fall of Berlin in May 1945.

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BRILLANTENTRÄGER


Oberst Werner Mölders (1913-1941) was a legendary Luftwaffe fighter pilot and one of the most successful aces of the Second World War, known for his innovative tactics and exceptional leadership. Born in 1913, he first gained prominence during the Spanish Civil War flying with the Condor Legion, where he achieved 14 aerial victories. During the early campaigns of World War II, serving with Jagdgeschwader 53 and later as Geschwaderkommodore of Jagdgeschwader 51, Mölders rapidly accumulated victories on the Western Front and in the Battle of Britain. He became the first Luftwaffe pilot to reach 20, then 40, and eventually 100 aerial victories. For his extraordinary achievements, he was awarded the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 29 May 1940 after 20 kills, followed by the Eichenlaub on 21 September 1940 after reaching 40 victories, the Schwerter on 22 June 1941 upon surpassing 70 kills, and finally the Brillanten on 15 July 1941 as the first member of the Wehrmacht to receive this highest grade after claiming his 101st victory. His remarkable career ended tragically in November 1941 when the Heinkel He 111 transport he was flying in crashed during bad weather.



Generalleutnant Adolf Galland (1912-1996), one of the most celebrated fighter pilots of the Luftwaffe during World War II, rose to prominence as a skilled commander and ace while serving with Jagdgeschwader 26 and later as General der Jagdflieger. He received his first Ritterkreuz on 29 July 1940 after achieving 17 aerial victories during the Battle of France and the early stages of the Battle of Britain. Galland continued his remarkable scoring rate, and on 21 June 1941 he was awarded the Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub following his 70th victory. His leadership and combat prowess earned him the Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub und Schwertern on 28 February 1942 after reaching 94 victories, and finally the coveted Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub, Schwertern und Brillanten on 28 January 1942, making him only the second Luftwaffe pilot to receive this highest grade of the award at the time after Werner Mölders. Galland's rapid accumulation of these prestigious decorations reflected both his exceptional flying abilities and his influential role in shaping German fighter tactics throughout the war.

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EICHENLAUBTRÄGER

Major Helmut Wick (1915-1940) was a highly decorated Luftwaffe fighter pilot and one of the leading aces of the Battle of Britain, serving with Jagdgeschwader 2 "Richthofen." Born on 5 August 1915, Wick quickly rose through the ranks due to his exceptional skill in aerial combat, claiming numerous victories flying the Messerschmitt Bf 109. He received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 27 August 1940 after achieving his 25th aerial victory, recognizing his outstanding bravery and leadership as a Staffelkapitän. Just weeks later, on 21 October 1940, following his 42nd victory, he was awarded the Eichenlaub zum Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, becoming the fourth Luftwaffe pilot to receive this prestigious higher grade of the Knight's Cross. Wick's meteoric career ended tragically on 28 November 1940 when he was shot down over the English Channel after claiming his 56th victory, cementing his legacy as a fearless Jagdflieger whose rapid accumulation of kills exemplified the intense air war over Britain in 1940.

Source :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luftwaffe

Ritterkreuzträger of Jagdflieger (Fighter pilots)

During World War II, the fighter pilots of the Luftwaffe emerged as some of the most skilled and decorated aviators in history, flying iconic aircraft such as the Messerschmitt Bf 109 and Focke-Wulf Fw 190 in fierce aerial campaigns across Europe and the Eastern Front. Aces like Erich Hartmann, who claimed 352 victories with Jagdgeschwader 52, along with legends such as Adolf Galland and Werner Mölders, showcased exceptional tactical brilliance in dogfights against superior Allied numbers, earning high honors including the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes with Eichenlaub, Schwerter, and Brillanten for their extraordinary service. Units like Jagdgeschwader 26, Jagdgeschwader 27, and the elite Jagdverband 44 operated under immense pressure during the Battle of Britain, Operation Barbarossa, and the desperate Defense of the Reich, where innovative tactics and aggressive combat doctrine allowed them to achieve remarkable kill ratios despite chronic fuel shortages and overwhelming opposition, ultimately cementing their place in military aviation lore even as the Luftwaffe's fighter arm was gradually worn down by the Allies' industrial might and numerical superiority. 

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BRILLANTENTRÄGER


Oberst Werner Mölders (1913-1941) was a legendary Luftwaffe fighter pilot and one of the most successful aces of the Second World War, known for his innovative tactics and exceptional leadership. Born in 1913, he first gained prominence during the Spanish Civil War flying with the Condor Legion, where he achieved 14 aerial victories. During the early campaigns of World War II, serving with Jagdgeschwader 53 and later as Geschwaderkommodore of Jagdgeschwader 51, Mölders rapidly accumulated victories on the Western Front and in the Battle of Britain. He became the first Luftwaffe pilot to reach 20, then 40, and eventually 100 aerial victories. For his extraordinary achievements, he was awarded the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 29 May 1940 after 20 kills, followed by the Eichenlaub on 21 September 1940 after reaching 40 victories, the Schwerter on 22 June 1941 upon surpassing 70 kills, and finally the Brillanten on 15 July 1941 as the first member of the Wehrmacht to receive this highest grade after claiming his 101st victory. His remarkable career ended tragically in November 1941 when the Heinkel He 111 transport he was flying in crashed during bad weather.



Generalleutnant Adolf Galland (1912-1996), one of the most celebrated fighter pilots of the Luftwaffe during World War II, rose to prominence as a skilled commander and ace while serving with Jagdgeschwader 26 and later as General der Jagdflieger. He received his first Ritterkreuz on 29 July 1940 after achieving 17 aerial victories during the Battle of France and the early stages of the Battle of Britain. Galland continued his remarkable scoring rate, and on 21 June 1941 he was awarded the Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub following his 70th victory. His leadership and combat prowess earned him the Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub und Schwertern on 28 February 1942 after reaching 94 victories, and finally the coveted Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub, Schwertern und Brillanten on 28 January 1942, making him only the second Luftwaffe pilot to receive this highest grade of the award at the time after Werner Mölders. Galland's rapid accumulation of these prestigious decorations reflected both his exceptional flying abilities and his influential role in shaping German fighter tactics throughout the war.

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EICHENLAUBTRÄGER

Major Helmut Wick (1915-1940) was a highly decorated Luftwaffe fighter pilot and one of the leading aces of the Battle of Britain, serving with Jagdgeschwader 2 "Richthofen." Born on 5 August 1915, Wick quickly rose through the ranks due to his exceptional skill in aerial combat, claiming numerous victories flying the Messerschmitt Bf 109. He received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 27 August 1940 after achieving his 25th aerial victory, recognizing his outstanding bravery and leadership as a Staffelkapitän. Just weeks later, on 21 October 1940, following his 42nd victory, he was awarded the Eichenlaub zum Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, becoming the fourth Luftwaffe pilot to receive this prestigious higher grade of the Knight's Cross. Wick's meteoric career ended tragically on 28 November 1940 when he was shot down over the English Channel after claiming his 56th victory, cementing his legacy as a fearless Jagdflieger whose rapid accumulation of kills exemplified the intense air war over Britain in 1940.

Source :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_World_War_II_aces_from_Germany
https://rk.balsi.de/index.php?action=list&cat=300
https://www.tracesofwar.com/awards/83/ritterkreuz-des-eisernen-kreuzes.htm

Armee Ritterkreuzträger

20. GEBIRGSARMEE

On 1 July 1944, Generaloberst Eduard Dietl was posthumously awarded the Schwerter to the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub as the 72nd recipient of this prestigious decoration for his outstanding leadership of the 20. Gebirgsarmee in the challenging Arctic theater of operations. Having earned a formidable reputation as the "Hero of Narvik" earlier in the war through his command of Gebirgskorps Norwegen, Dietl had continued to demonstrate exceptional skill in coordinating German and Finnish forces against Soviet advances in the far north until his untimely death in a plane crash on 23 June 1944 near Rettenegg in Styria. The Schwerter, bestowed just days after the fatal accident during a state funeral, recognized his sustained strategic brilliance and the resilience of his mountain troops under extreme polar conditions, cementing his legacy as one of the Wehrmacht's most decorated mountain warfare specialists.

Source :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Knight%27s_Cross_of_the_Iron_Cross_recipients
https://www.tracesofwar.com/awards/83/ritterkreuz-des-eisernen-kreuzes.htm

Korps Ritterkreuzträger

 XXI. GEBIRGSKORPS / GEBIRGSKORPS NORWEGEN

Eduard Dietl received the Eichenlaub to the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 19 July 1940 as the very first German soldier to be so honored, in recognition of his outstanding leadership during the intense fighting around Narvik. As Generalleutnant and commander of the 3. Gebirgs-Division, later elevated to commanding general of Gebirgskorps Norwegen, Dietl had successfully directed German mountain troops in holding the strategically vital Norwegian port against determined Allied forces despite being cut off and heavily outnumbered following the German landings in April 1940. His determined defense, bold tactical decisions, and ability to inspire his elite Gebirgsjäger units through extreme conditions ultimately forced the British, French, and Norwegian withdrawal, securing a crucial victory in the Norwegian campaign and earning him this prestigious upgrade to his earlier Ritterkreuz awarded on 9 May 1940.

Source :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Knight%27s_Cross_of_the_Iron_Cross_recipients
https://www.tracesofwar.com/awards/83/ritterkreuz-des-eisernen-kreuzes.htm

List of Ritterkreuzträger - A (118 Recipients)

Joachim von Amsberg (18 December 1903 – 27 May 1981)
Ritterkreuz on 9 Mei 1945 as Oberst and Kommandeur Grenadier-Regiment 502 / 290.Infanterie-Division / I.Armeekorps / 18.Armee / Heeresgruppe Nord (unconfirmed)
Last rank : Oberst



Wilhelm Heinrich Erwin Adolf Friedrich Martin von Apell (16 January 1892 – 7 March 1969)
Ritterkreuz on 14 May 1941 as Generalmajor dan Kommandeur 9.Schützen-Brigade / 9.Panzer-Division / XXXX.Armeekorps (motorisiert) / 12.Armee
Last rank : Generalleutnant



Alexander Daniel Odo Thilo Kurt von Arentschildt (27 April 1911 – 22 June 1999)
Ritterkreuz on 5 August 1940 as Hauptmann and Chef 2.Kompanie / Panzer-Abteilung 67 / 8.Panzer-Division / XV.Armeekorps (motorisiert) / 2.Armee / Heeresgruppe C
Last rank : Oberstleutnant

Hans-Jürgen Bernhard Theodor von Arnim (4 April 1889 – 1 September 1962)
Ritterkreuz on 4 September 1941 as Generalleutnant and Kommandeur 17.Panzer-Division / XXXXVII.Armeekorps / 2.Panzergruppe / Heeresgruppe Mitte
Last rank : Generaloberst



Andreas Maria Karl von Aulock (23 March 1893 – 23 June 1968)
Ritterkreuz on 6 November 1943 as Oberst and Komandeur Grenadier-Regiment 226 / 79.Infanterie-Division / XXXXIV.Armee-Korps / 17.Armee / Heeresgruppe A
Eichenlaub #551 on 16 August 1944 as Oberst and Festungskommandant St. Malo / Oberbefehlshaber West 
Last rank : Oberst

Source :
https://alifrafikkhan.blogspot.com/2009/03/daftar-lengkap-peraih-ritterkreuz.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Knight%27s_Cross_of_the_Iron_Cross_recipients_(A)
https://www.tracesofwar.com/awards/83/ritterkreuz-des-eisernen-kreuzes.htm

Ritterkreuzträger Series by Wolfgang Willrich

Wolfgang Willrich (1897–1948) was a German artist and illustrator best known for his realistic portraiture and propaganda work during the Third Reich. A staunch conservative who rejected modern art movements, Willrich specialized in heroic, detailed depictions of German soldiers, peasants, and racial ideals. During World War II, he was commissioned to create the Ritterkreuzträger (Knight's Cross Bearers) series, a collection of striking portraits featuring Wehrmacht and Luftwaffe soldiers who had been awarded the prestigious Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. These works, often reproduced as postcards and published by the Volksbund für das Deutschtum im Ausland (VDA), served as powerful propaganda tools, glorifying individual bravery and military heroism while embodying the Nazi aesthetic of the ideal Aryan warrior. Willrich’s portraits combined meticulous realism with dramatic lighting, capturing the faces, uniforms, and expressions of decorated servicemen in a style that blended artistic skill with ideological purpose, making the Ritterkreuzträger series one of the most recognizable visual records of Nazi wartime iconography.

Hauptmann Rudolf Schlee (1913-1979), a highly decorated soldier of the Wehrmacht who was born on 10 November 1913 in Ludwigshafen, Rheinland Provinz (German Empire), served as a platoon leader in the 6./Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 13 during World War II and demonstrated exceptional bravery in various campaigns. He earned the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 23 October 1941 as Oberfeldwebel for his leadership and courage during intense combat operations, particularly in the mountain warfare contexts following the campaigns in the Balkans and the advance into the Soviet Union. His repeated acts of valor continued to stand out in the harsh fighting in the Caucasus region, where he led his Jäger platoon with outstanding initiative and determination, ultimately leading to the award of the Eichenlaub zum Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes as the 222nd recipient on 6 April 1943. Schlee later rose to the rank of Hauptmann and survived the war, becoming one of the notable recipients of these prestigious German decorations for his frontline service.

Source :
https://alifrafikkhan.blogspot.com/2010/07/karya-karya-terbaik-pelukis-perang-nazi.html

Ritterkreuzträger of Operation Barbarossa (22 June - 5 December 1941)

Operation Barbarossa, launched by Nazi Germany on 22 June 1941, represented the largest military invasion in history as Adolf Hitler sought to conquer the Soviet Union and secure Lebensraum for the Third Reich. Over three million soldiers of the Wehrmacht, supported by Axis allies, advanced along a 2,900-kilometer front in three massive army groups—Heeresgruppe Nord, Heeresgruppe Mitte, and Heeresgruppe Süd—equipped with thousands of Panzer divisions and Luftwaffe aircraft. The initial phase achieved stunning victories, with rapid encirclements at battles such as Białystok-Minsk and Smolensk, where hundreds of thousands of Soviet troops were captured, earning numerous Eisernes Kreuz and Ritterkreuz decorations for German officers and soldiers. However, the operation faltered due to fierce Soviet resistance, vast distances, harsh weather, and logistical failures, culminating in the failure to capture Moscow and the eventual turning of the tide on the Eastern Front. Despite its early momentum, Barbarossa ultimately led to catastrophic losses for Germany and marked a decisive shift in the course of World War II.

During Operation Barbarossa, Oberfeldwebel Rudolf Schlee, serving as Zugführer in the 6./Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 13 of the 4. Gebirgs-Division, earned the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 23 October 1941 through exceptional leadership and bravery. His platoon was tasked with clearing a heavily defended enemy position blocking the Pultowzy–Vinnitsa road, an objective that the regiment expected would require a prolonged and costly two-day battle. Instead, under Schlee’s superior and prudent command, the attack succeeded within just one hour, allowing his men to thrust through to the southern edge of Pultowzy, crush the well-equipped and stubborn Soviet defenders, and open the critical march route for the division, which proved decisive for the subsequent capture of Vinnitsa.

Source :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Barbarossa

Ritterkreuzträger of 4. Gebirgs-Division

The 4. Gebirgs-Division, also known as the 4th Mountain Division and nicknamed "Enzian" after the gentian flower, was an elite mountain infantry unit of the German Wehrmacht during World War II. Formed in October 1940 at the Heuberg training area from experienced Gebirgsjäger troops, it specialized in high-altitude and rugged-terrain warfare. The division first saw combat in the 1941 Balkans Campaign, advancing swiftly through Yugoslavia as part of XIV Panzer Corps. It then transferred to the Eastern Front with Army Group South during Operation Barbarossa, where it fought intensely in the Caucasus Mountains, the Kuban bridgehead, and the Crimea. As the tide of war turned, the unit conducted a long and brutal fighting retreat across Ukraine, Hungary, and Slovakia under extremely difficult conditions. After marching more than 10,000 kilometers and suffering heavy casualties over five years of continuous combat, the remnants of the 4th Mountain Division finally surrendered to Soviet forces near Olomouc in Czechoslovakia in May 1945.

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EICHENLAUBTRÄGER


Hauptmann Rudolf Schlee (1913-1979), a highly decorated soldier of the Wehrmacht who was born on 10 November 1913 in Ludwigshafen, Rheinland Provinz (German Empire), served as a platoon leader in the 6./Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 13 during World War II and demonstrated exceptional bravery in various campaigns. He earned the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 23 October 1941 as Oberfeldwebel for his leadership and courage during intense combat operations, particularly in the mountain warfare contexts following the campaigns in the Balkans and the advance into the Soviet Union. His repeated acts of valor continued to stand out in the harsh fighting in the Caucasus region, where he led his Jäger platoon with outstanding initiative and determination, ultimately leading to the award of the Eichenlaub zum Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes as the 222nd recipient on 6 April 1943. Schlee later rose to the rank of Hauptmann and survived the war, becoming one of the notable recipients of these prestigious German decorations for his frontline service.

Source :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/4th_Mountain_Division_(Wehrmacht)