Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oakleaves and Swords

Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross
(Ritterkreuz des Eisernes Kreuzes)

The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was instituted on September 1, 1939.  This award was worn around the neck.  The Knight's cross was larger than the Iron Cross, measuring 48.2 mm to 48.8 mm, and suspended by a 45 mm neck ribbon.  The colors of the ribbon were black, white and red.

On June 3, 1940, the first addition to the Knight's Cross was added.  The Oakleaves.  This award consisted of a small cluster of three oakleaves, with the center leaf overlapping the other two.  A total of 890 of these were awarded.

On July 15, 1941 came the next addition to the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross.  The Oakleaves and Swords.  A total of 159 Oakleaves and Swords were awarded.

Also on July 15, 1941 came the Oakleaves, Swords and Diamonds.  A total 27 Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oakleaves, Swords and Diamonds were awarded.  The award name came from the small cluster of diamonds in the Oakleaves and hilts of the swords.  The weight of the diamonds approached 2.7 carats.