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List of Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross recipients (Ka–Km)

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Knight's Cross recipients
A silver framed black cross that has arms which are narrow at the center, and broader at the perimeter. In the middle of the cross is a swastika, an equilateral cross with its arms bent at right angles. On the lower arm of the cross are the number 1939 engraved. The cross is connected to a ribbon with a silver clip. The ribbon has a red central stripe, flanked in white and with a black edge stripe.
All
grades		Grand Cross
Golden Oak Leaves, Swords
and Diamonds
Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds
Oak Leaves and Swords
Oak
Leaves
Knight's
Cross
 Knight's Cross

The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross (German: Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) and its variants were the highest awards in the military and paramilitary forces of Nazi Germany during World War II. The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was awarded for a wide range of reasons and across all ranks, from a senior commander for skilled leadership of his troops in battle to a low-ranking soldier for a single act of extreme gallantry. A total of 7,321 awards were made between its first presentation on 30 September 1939 and its last bestowal on 17 June 1945. This number is based on the analysis and acceptance of the order commission of the Association of Knight's Cross Recipients (AKCR). Presentations were made to members of the three military branches of the Wehrmacht—the Heer (Army), Kriegsmarine (Navy) and Luftwaffe (Air Force)—as well as the Waffen-SS, the Reichsarbeitsdienst (RAD—Reich Labour Service) and the Volkssturm (German national militia). There were also 43 recipients in the military forces of allies of the Third Reich.

These recipients are listed in the 1986 edition of Walther-Peer Fellgiebel's book, Die Träger des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939–1945 . Fellgiebel was the former chairman and head of the order commission of the AKCR. In 1996, the second edition of this book was published with an addendum delisting 11 of these original recipients. Author Veit Scherzer has cast doubt on a further 193 of these listings. The majority of the disputed recipients had been nominated for the award in 1945, when the deteriorating situation of Germany during the final days of World War II left a number of nominations incomplete and pending in various stages of the approval process.

Listed here are the 289 Knight's Cross recipients of the Wehrmacht and Waffen-SS whose last name is in the range "Ka–Km". Scherzer has challenged the validity of four of these listings. This is the first of two lists of all 717 Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross recipients whose last names start with "K". The recipients whose last names are in the range "Kn–Kz" are listed at List of Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross recipients (Kn–Kz). The recipients are initially ordered alphabetically by last name. The rank listed is the recipient's rank at the time the Knight's Cross was awarded.

Background

The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross and its higher grades were based on four separate enactments. The first enactment, Reichsgesetzblatt I S. 1573 of 1 September 1939 instituted the Iron Cross (Eisernes Kreuz), the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross and the Grand Cross of the Iron Cross (Großkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes). Article 2 of the enactment mandated that the award of a higher class be preceded by the award of all preceding classes. As the war progressed, some of the recipients of the Knight's Cross distinguished themselves further and a higher grade, the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub), was instituted. The Oak Leaves, as they were commonly referred to, were based on the enactment Reichsgesetzblatt I S. 849 of 3 June 1940. In 1941, two higher grades of the Knight's Cross were instituted. The enactment Reichsgesetzblatt I S. 613 of 28 September 1941 introduced the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub und Schwertern) and the Knight's Cross of the Iron 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 of the Iron Cross with Golden Oak Leaves, Swords, and Diamonds (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit goldenem Eichenlaub, Schwertern und Brillanten), based on the enactment Reichsgesetzblatt 1945 I S. 11 of 29 December 1944, became the final variant of the Knight's Cross authorized.

Recipients

Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross (Ka–Km)
Service   Number of presentations Posthumous presentations
Heer 192 15
Kriegsmarine 15 1
Luftwaffe 62 3
Waffen-SS 20 1

The Oberkommando der Wehrmacht (Supreme Command of the Armed Forces) kept separate Knight's Cross lists, one for each of the three military branches, Heer (Army), Kriegsmarine (Navy), Luftwaffe (Air Force) and for the Waffen-SS. Within each of these lists a unique sequential number was assigned to each recipient. The same numbering paradigm was applied to the higher grades of the Knight's Cross, one list per grade. Of the 289 awards made to servicemen whose last name is in the range "Ka–Km", 36 were later awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves, five the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords and one the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds; 20 presentations were made posthumously. Heer members received 192 of the medals; 15 went to the Kriegsmarine, 62 to the Luftwaffe, and 20 to the Waffen-SS. The sequential numbers greater than 843 for the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves are unofficial and were assigned by the Association of Knight's Cross Recipients (AKCR) and are therefore denoted in parentheses.

  This along with the + (plus) indicates that a higher grade of Knight's Cross was awarded as well.   This along with the * (asterisk), indicates that the Knight's Cross was awarded posthumously.   This along with the ? (question mark) indicates that author Veit Scherzer has expressed doubt regarding the veracity and formal correctness of the listing.
Name Service Rank Role and unit Date of award Notes Image
Georg Kachel Heer 14-HHauptmann Commander of the I./Grenadier-Regiment 670 4 May 1944 — —
Wolfgang Kaden Kriegsmarine 14-MKapitänleutnant of the Reserves Commander of U-Jäger UJ-116 18 December 1940 — —
Herbert Kadenbach Heer 09-HFeldwebel Zugführer (platoon leader) in the 12./Jäger-Regiment 28 16 September 1942 — —
Hellmut Kaeber Luftwaffe 13-LOberleutnant Staffelkapitän of the 1.(N)/Aufklärungs-Gruppe 13 28 January 1945 — —
Walter Käding Kriegsmarine 10-MObersteuermann 3rd watch officer and coxswain on U-123 15 May 1944 — —
Otto Kähler+ Kriegsmarine 17-MKapitän zur See Commander of Hilfskreuzer "Thor" (HSK 4) 22 December 1940 Awarded 583rd Oak Leaves 15 September 1944
Edgar-Karl Kaehne Heer 14-HHauptmann Commander of the I./Infanterie-Regiment 135 2 February 1942 — —
Hans Källner+ Heer 17-HOberst Commander of Schützen-Regiment 73 3 May 1942 Awarded 392nd Oak Leaves 12 February 1944
106th Swords 23 October 1944 		—
Edmund Kämmerer Heer 10-HOberfeldwebel Kompanietruppführer (company headquarters leader) in the 6./Panzergrenadier-Regiment 76 5 April 1945 — —
Helmut Kämpfe Waffen-SS 15-WSS-Sturmbannführer of the Reserves Commander of the III.(gepanzerte)/SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 4 "Der Führer" 10 December 1943 —
Rudolf Kaeppel Heer 14-HHauptmann Chief of the Divisions-Begleit-Kompanie of the 11. Panzer-Division 1 February 1945* Killed in action 25 January 1945 —
Josef Käs Heer 10-HOberfeldwebel Zugführer (platoon leader) in the 2./Grenadier-Regiment 19 18 July 1943 — —
Herbert Käseberg Heer 12-HLeutnant Leader of the 5./Panzergrenadier-Regiment 156 14 April 1945 — —
Werner Kaessler Heer 13-HOberleutnant of the Reserves Chief of the 2./Panzergrenadier-Regiment 108 27 August 1944* Died of wounds 23 August 1944 —
Robert Kaestner+ Heer 15-HMajor Leader of Grenadier-Regiment 105 11 December 1943 Awarded 401st Oak Leaves 21 February 1944 —
Ernst Kaether Heer 16-HOberstleutnant of the Reserves Commander of Infanterie-Regiment 14 10 December 1942 — —
Clemens-Heinrich Graf von Kageneck+ Heer 14-HHauptmann Commander of schwere Panzer-Abteilung 503 (Tiger) 4 August 1943 Awarded 513th Oak Leaves 26 June 1944 —
Erbo Graf von Kageneck+ Luftwaffe 13-LOberleutnant Staffelkapitän of the 9./Jagdgeschwader 27 30 July 1941 Awarded 39th Oak Leaves 26 October 1941
Bruno Kahl+ Heer 14-HHauptmann Commander of the III./Panzer-Regiment 21 8 February 1943 Awarded 270th Oak Leaves 8 August 1943 —
Konrad Kahl Luftwaffe 14-LHauptmann Gruppenkommandeur of the I./Kampfgeschwader 30 13 August 1942 — —
Helmuth Kahle Luftwaffe 10-LOberfeldwebel Observer in the 3./Kampfgeschwader 4 "General Wever" 9 June 1944 — —
Rudolf Kahle Heer 14-HHauptmann Commander of Panzer-Pionier-Bataillon 40 2 September 1944 — —
Hans-Joachim Kahler+ Heer 15-HMajor Commander of Kradschützen-Bataillon 34 14 April 1943 Awarded 355th Oak Leaves 17 December 1943 —
Erich Kahsnitz Heer 17-HOberst Commander of Füsilier-Regiment "Großdeutschland" 15 July 1943 — —
Karl Kainz Heer 14-HHauptmann of the Reserves Chief of the 11./Jäger-Regiment 25 31 January 1945 — —
Albert Kaiser Heer 14-HHauptmann Chief of the 1./Gebirgs-Panzer-Jäger-Abteilung 44 21 August 1941* Killed in action 6 August 1941 —
Erich Kaiser Heer 13-HOberleutnant Chief of the 6./Panzer-Regiment 39 26 February 1942 — —
Herbert Kaiser Luftwaffe 10-LOberfeldwebel Pilot in the 8./Jagdgeschwader 77 (later Jagdgeschwader 1) 14 March 1943 — —
Vinzenz Kaiser Waffen-SS 14-WSS-Hauptsturmführer Leader of the III.(gepanzerte)/SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 4 "Der Führer" 6 April 1943 — —
Wilhelm Kaiser Luftwaffe 13-LOberleutnant Adjutant in the III./Sturzkampfgeschwader 2 "Immelmann" 4 February 1942 — —
Hans Kalb Heer 14-HHauptmann of the Reserves Commander of the II./Grenadier-Regiment 320 29 February 1944 — —
Helmut Kalbitz+ Heer 13-HOberleutnant Chief of the 1./Pionier-Bataillon 125 23 August 1941 Awarded 366th Oak Leaves 7 January 1944 —
Peter Kalden Luftwaffe 12-LLeutnant Staffelführer of the 13./Jagdgeschwader 51 "Mölders" 6 December 1944 — —
Rolf Kaldrack+ Luftwaffe 14-LHauptmann Gruppenkommandeur of the III./Zerstörergeschwader 76 2 November 1940 Awarded 70th Oak Leaves 9 February 1942 —
Georg Kaletsch Heer 13-HOberleutnant of the Reserves Leader of the II./Grenadier-Regiment 283 26 March 1944 — —
Herbert von Kalinowsky Heer 17-HOberst Commander of Volks-Werfer-Brigader 8 30 April 1945 — —
David Kalkgruber Heer 06-HUnteroffizier Group leader of the 5./Grenadier-Regiment 3 19 August 1944 — —
Walter Kalkhoff Heer 06-HUnteroffizier Group leader of the 1./Infanterie-Regiment 67 (motorized) 26 May 1940 — —
Hennig-Tile von Kalm Heer 15-HMajor Deputy leader of Grenadier-Regiment 24 17 September 1944 — —
Siegfried Kalow Luftwaffe 06-LUnteroffizier Group leader in the 10./Fallschirm-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 2 "Hermann Göring" 29 October 1944* Killed in action 12 August 1944 —
Ernst Kals Kriegsmarine 15-MKorvettenkapitän Commander of U-130 1 September 1942 — —
Alois Kalss Waffen-SS 13-WSS-Obersturmführer Leader of the 1./schwere SS-Panzer-Abteilung 502 23 August 1944 — —
Søren Kam Waffen-SS 12-WSS-Untersturmführer Leader of the 1./SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 9 "Germania" 7 February 1945 —
Hans Kamecke Heer 19-HGeneralleutnant Commander of the 137. Infanterie-Division 27 October 1943* Killed in action 16 October 1943 —
August Kaminski Heer 10-HOberfeldwebel Zugführer (platoon leader) of the 3./schwere Panzer-Jäger-Abteilung 655 6 October 1944 — —
Herbert Kaminski Luftwaffe 14-LHauptmann Gruppenkommandeur of the I./Zerstörergeschwader 26 "Horst Wessel" 6 August 1941 — —
Werner Kaminski? Heer 16-HOberstleutnant Ia (operations officer) of the Festungs-Division Kreta 6 May 1945 — —
Emil Kaminsky+ Heer 10-HOberfeldwebel Zugführer (platoon leader) in Infanterie-Regiment 446 15 October 1942 Awarded 497th Oak Leaves 12 June 1944 —
Werner Kamischke Heer 14-HHauptmann Commander of the II./Grenadier-Regiment 4 9 January 1945 — —
Josef Kammhuber Luftwaffe 18-LGeneralmajor Commander of the 1. Nachtjagd-Division 9 July 1941 — A man wearing a military uniform and neck order, in the shape of a cross. He has short hair that is combed back and a determined facial expression.
Gerhard von Kamptz+ Kriegsmarine 15-MKorvettenkapitän Chief of the 2. Räumbootflottille 6 October 1940 Awarded 225th Oak Leaves 14 April 1943 —
Johann Kamski Heer 04-HObergefreiter In the 14./Grenadier-Regiment z.b.V. 1. Panzer-Armee 30 April 1945 — —
Kurt Kannenberg Heer 11-HStabsfeldwebel Zugführer (platoon leader) in the 3./schwere Panzer-Abteilung 506 9 December 1944* Killed in action 17 November 1944 —
Wolfgang Kapp Heer 15-HMajor Commander of Sturmgeschütz-Lehr-Brigade 920 3 March 1945 — —
Hans-Joachim Kappis+ Heer 13-HOberleutnant of the Reserves Deputy leader of the I./Grenadier-Regiment 45 18 February 1945 Awarded (849th) Oak Leaves 28 April 1945 —
Franz Kapsreiter Heer 10-HOberfeldwebel Zugführer (platoon leader) in the 4.(Sturmgeschütz)/Führer-Grenadier-Brigade 14 January 1945 — —
August Karau Heer 10-HOberfeldwebel Leader of the 9./Grenadier-Regiment 46 12 January 1945 — —
Adalbert Karbe Luftwaffe 13-LOberleutnant Staffelkapitän of the 3./Kampfgeschwader 55 12 November 1941 — —
Fritz Karch Luftwaffe 14-LHauptmann Gruppenkommandeur of the II./Jagdgeschwader 2 "Richthofen" 17 April 1945 — —
Karl-Ehrhart Karcher Kriegsmarine 13-MOberleutnant zur See Commander of Schnellboot S-87 in the 4. Schnellbootflottille 12 August 1943 — —
Georg Karck Waffen-SS 13-WSS-Obersturmführer Leader of the 9./SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 2 "Leibsatndarte SS Adolf Hitler" 3 August 1943 — —
Bruno Karczewski+ Heer 15-HMajor Commander of the I./Grenadier-Regiment 162 12 March 1944 Awarded 767th Oak Leaves 5 March 1945 —
Hennecke Kardel Heer 12-HLeutnant of the Reserves Adjutant in the III./Grenadier-Regiment 399 23 February 1944 — —
Ulrich Karg Heer 06-HOberjäger Leader of the bicycle platoon in the 17./Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 91 5 July 1943 — —
Franz Karl Heer 19-HGeneralleutnant Commander of the 263. Infanterie-Division 5 August 1940 — —
Friedrich-Wilhelm Karl Waffen-SS 16-WSS-Obersturmbannführer Commander of SS-Freiwilligen-Panzer-Artillerie-Regiment 11 "Nordland" 26 December 1944 — —
Josef Karl+ Heer 06-HUnteroffizier Gun commander in the 2./Panzer-Jäger-Abteilung 49 26 August 1943 Awarded 397th Oak Leaves 16 February 1944 A man wearing a military uniform with an Iron Cross displayed at the front of his uniform collar.
Otto Karl Kriegsmarine 13-MOberleutnant zur See of the Reserves Commander of Artillerie-Leichter AF-65 21 March 1945 — —
Gustav Karow Heer 17-HOberst of the Reserves Commander of Grenadier-Regiment 322 19 August 1944 — —
Albert Karrenberg Heer 13-HOberleutnant Chief of the 2./Panzergrenadier-Regiment 9 11 December 1944 — —
Friedrich Karst Heer 17-HOberst Commander of Infanterie-Regiment 461 28 August 1942 — —
Helmut Kassner Heer 17-HOberst Commander of Grenadier-Regiment 975 14 April 1945 — —
Andreas Kastl Heer 09-HFeldwebel Zugführer (platoon leader) in the 11./Grenadier-Regiment 20 (motorized) 14 May 1944 — —
Gustav Kastner Heer 13-HOberleutnant of the Reserves Leader of the 2./Artillerie-Regiment 389 12 December 1944 — —
Josef Kastner Heer 06-HOberjäger Zugführer (platoon leader) in the 7./Jäger-Regiment 207 2 June 1943 — —
Hans Katzenmeier Heer 06-HUnteroffizier Zugführer (platoon leader) in the 6./Grenadier-Regiment 698 9 June 1944 — —
Horst Kaubisch+ Luftwaffe 14-LHauptmann Staffelkapitän of the 9./Sturzkampfgeschwader 77 16 November 1942 Awarded 505th Oak Leaves 24 June 1944 —
Helmut Kauermann Heer 10-HOberfeldwebel Zugführer (platoon leader) in the 7./Panzer-Regiment 2 20 March 1944 — —
Gerhard Kauffmann Heer 19-HGeneralleutnant Commander of the 256. Infanterie-Division 9 July 1941 — —
Heinrich Kaup Heer 04-HObergefreiter In the 3./Grenadier-Regiment 184 19 September 1943 — —
Paul-Albert Kausch+ Waffen-SS 16-WSS-Obersturmbannführer Commander of SS-Panzer-Abteilung 11 "Hermann von Salza" 23 August 1944 Awarded (845th) Oak Leaves 23 April 1945? —
Oskar Kautz Heer 13-HOberleutnant Chief of the 7./Panzergrenadier-Regiment 156 28 July 1943* Killed in action 22 July 1943 —
Alfred Kayß Heer 13-HOberleutnant Company chief in Feldersatz-Bataillon 267 18 January 1944* Killed in action 5 January 1944 —
Paul Kazmeier Heer 14-HHauptmann of the Reserves Leader of the II./Grenadier-Regiment 420 26 October 1943 — —
Franz Kecht Heer 13-HOberleutnant Leader of the III./Grenadier-Regiment 70 18 October 1943 — —
Johannes Keck Heer 12-HLeutnant of the Reserves Leader of the 2./Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 23 18 February 1945 — —
Karl Keck Waffen-SS 14-WSS-Hauptsturmführer and Hauptmann of the Schutzpolizei Leader of the 15.(Pionier)/SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 21 "Frundsberg" 23 August 1944* Killed in action 11 July 1944 —
Ernst-Georg Kedzia+ Heer 14-HHauptmann Leader of the II./Grenadier-Regiment 272 26 November 1944 Awarded 794th Oak Leaves 23 March 1945 —
Heinrich Keese+ Heer 13-HOberleutnant of the Reserves Chief of the 2./Pionier-Bataillon 20 (motorized) 20 October 1944 Awarded 805th Oak Leaves 28 March 1945 —
Karl-Ludwig Kegel Heer 12-HLeutnant Leader of the 5./Panzer-Regiment 18 25 August 1941 — —
Otto Keichel Heer 10-HOberfeldwebel Spähtruppführer (reconnaissance troop leader) in the 1./Panzer-Aufklärungs-Lehr-Abteilung 130 18 January 1945 — —
Anton Keil Luftwaffe 14-LHauptmann Gruppenkommandeur of the II./Sturzkampfgeschwader 1 19 August 1940 — —
Günther Keil Heer 16-HOberstleutnant of the Reserves Commander of Grenadier-Regiment 919 27 July 1944 — —
Max Keil Heer 13-HOberleutnant Deputy leader of the 1./Panzer-Regiment 8 in the DAK 20 April 1943* Killed in action 8 April 1943 —
Siegfried Keiling Heer 14-HHauptmann Commander of Artillerie-Abteilung 62 (russisch) 4 October 1944 — —
Walter Keiner Heer 19-HGeneralleutnant Commander of the 62. Infanterie-Division 17 July 1941 — —
Willy Keipp Heer 09-HFeldwebel Zugführer (platoon leader) in the 6./Grenadier-Regiment 124 30 October 1943 — —
Paul Keiser Heer 17-HOberst Commander of Grenadier-Regiment 326 6 November 1943 — —
Wilhelm Keitel Heer 21-HGeneraloberst Chief of the Oberkommando der Wehrmacht 30 September 1939 — A man wearing a military uniform with various military decorations, mustache and neck order, in the shape of a cross. He has short hair that is combed back and a determined facial expression.
Albert Kelbch Luftwaffe 10-LOberfeldwebel Pilot in the 1.(F)/Aufklärungs-Gruppe 120 12 November 1943* Killed in action 8 November 1943 —
Gerd Kelbling Kriegsmarine 14-MKapitänleutnant Commander of U-593 18 August 1943 — —
Alfred Keller Luftwaffe 20-LGeneral der Flieger Commanding general of the IV. Fliegerkorps 24 June 1940 —
Lothar Keller Luftwaffe 14-LHauptmann Gruppenkommandeur of the II./Jagdgeschwader 3 9 July 1941* Killed in flying accident 26 June 1941 —
Ortwin Kellermann Heer 13-HOberleutnant of the Reserves Chief of the 1./Divisions-Füsilier-Bataillon (A.A.) 72 30 September 1944 — —
Wolfgang Kellner Heer 13-HOberleutnant Chief of the 1./Panzer-Jäger-Abteilung 24 14 April 1945 — —
Heinz Kemethmüller Luftwaffe 09-LFeldwebel Pilot in the 8./Jagdgeschwader 3 "Udet" 2 October 1942 — —
Heinrich Kemler Heer 14-HHauptmann Commander of the II./Grenadier-Regiment 78 14 April 1945 — —
Friedrich Kemnade+ Kriegsmarine 14-MKapitänleutnant Chief of the 3. Schnellbootflottille 23 July 1942 Awarded 249th Oak Leaves 27 May 1943 —
Traugott Kempas+ Heer 14-HHauptmann Commander of the I./Grenadier-Regiment 176 9 December 1944 Awarded 757th Oak Leaves 28 February 1945 —
Walter Kempe Heer 09-HFeldwebel Zugführer (platoon leader) in the 2./Pionier-Bataillon 248 14 May 1944 — —
Karl Kempf Luftwaffe 10-LOberfeldwebel Pilot in the 7./Jagdgeschwader 54 4 February 1942 — —
Werner Kempf+ Heer 19-HGeneralleutnant Commander of the 6. Panzer-Division 3 June 1940 Awarded 111th Oak Leaves 10 August 1942
Günther Kempin Luftwaffe 09-LFeldwebel Pilot in the 14./Kampfgeschwader 27 "Boelcke" 17 April 1945 — —
Wilhelm Kempke Luftwaffe 09-LFeldwebel Group leader in the 1./Fallschirmjäger-Sturm-Regiment (7. Flieger-Division) 21 August 1941 — —
Heinrich Kempken Luftwaffe 09-LFahnenjunker-Feldwebel Pilot in the 7./Schlachtgeschwader 3 29 October 1944 — —
Rudolf Kendler Heer 14-HHauptmann of the Reserves Tasked with the leadership of Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 4 2 September 1944 — —
Karl Kennel+ Luftwaffe 14-LHauptmann Staffelkapitän of the 5./Schlachtgeschwader 1 19 September 1943 Awarded 666th Oak Leaves 25 November 1944 —
Eitel-Friedrich Kentrat Kriegsmarine 14-MKapitänleutnant Commander of U-74 31 December 1941 — —
Wilhelm Keppel Heer 06-HUnteroffizier Assistant Vorgeschobener Beobachter (forward observer) in 7./Artillerie-Regiment 227 9 June 1944 — —
Georg Keppler Waffen-SS 17-WSS-Oberführer Commander of SS-Infanterie-Regiment (motorized) "Der Führer" in the SS-Verfügungs-Division (later "Das Reich") 15 August 1940 —
Hans Keppler Luftwaffe 15-LMajor Gruppenkommandeur of the III./Kampfgeschwader 1 "Hindenburg" 20 August 1942 — —
Ludwig Kepplinger Waffen-SS 10-WSS-Hauptscharführer Shock troops leader and Zugführer (platoon leader) in the 11./SS-Infanterie-Regiment "Der Führer" 4 September 1940 — —
Fritz Kercher Heer 12-HLeutnant Zugführer (platoon leader) in the 1.(Sturmgeschütz)/Panzer-Jäger-Abteilung 5 6 March 1944 — —
Horst Kerfin Luftwaffe 13-LOberleutnant Chief of the 11./Fallschirmjäger-Regiment 1 24 May 1940 — —
Friedrich Kern Heer 14-HHauptmann of the Reserves Commander of the III./Artillerie-Regiment 198 30 December 1943 — —
Karl Kern Luftwaffe 10-LOberfeldwebel Pilot in the 6./Transportgeschwader 3 9 June 1944 — —
Wilhelm Kern Heer 13-HOberleutnant Chief of the 10./Grenadier-Regiment 44 5 April 1944 — —
Albert Kerscher Heer 09-HFeldwebel Panzer commander in the 2./schwere Panzer-Abteilung 502 23 October 1944 — —
Wolfram Kertz Heer 13-HOberleutnant of the Reserves Leader of the 8./Kampfgruppe "Bruhn" (II./SS-Panzerkorps) 4 October 1944 — —
Hellmut Kerutt Luftwaffe 15-LMajor Commander of Fallschirmjäger-Bataillon "Kerutt" 2 February 1945 — —
Karl Kessel Luftwaffe 16-LOberstleutnant Geschwaderkommodore of Kampfgeschwader 2 23 January 1944 — —
Mortimer von Kessel+ Heer 18-HGeneralmajor Commander of the 20. Panzer-Division 28 December 1943 Awarded 611th Oak Leaves 16 October 1944
Wilhelm Kessel Heer 10-HOberwachtmeister Zugführer (platoon leader) in the 3./Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung "Großdeutschland" 23 February 1944 — —
Albert Kesselring+ Luftwaffe 20-LGeneral der Flieger Chief of Luftflotte 1 30 September 1939 Awarded 78th Oak Leaves 25 February 1942
15th Swords 18 July 1942
14th Diamonds 19 July 1944 		Head-and-shoulders portrait of a uniformed Nazi German air force general in his 50s wearing an Iron Cross.
Arnold Kessler Heer 15-HMajor Commander of Panzer-Jäger-Abteilung 61 4 October 1944 — —
Hermann Keßler Heer 17-HOberst Commander of Grenadier-Regiment 192 17 September 1943 — —
Ulrich Kessler Luftwaffe 19-LGeneralleutnant Fliegerführer Atlantik 8 April 1944 —
Wolfgang Kessler Heer 13-HOberleutnant of the Reserves Deputy leader of the I./Artillerie-Regiment 181 16 April 1944 — —
Dieter Kesten Waffen-SS 14-WSS-Hauptsturmführer Leader of the 6./SS-Panzer-Regiment 2 "Das Reich" 12 November 1943 — —
Gerd Freiherr von Ketelhodt Heer 13-HOberleutnant Chief of the 9./Infanterie-Regiment 472 13 July 1940 — —
Hans Ketscher Luftwaffe 14-LHauptmann Observer in the 1.(F)/Aufklärungs-Gruppe 121 24 November 1944 — —
Karl Ketterer Heer 10-HOberfeldwebel Zugführer (platoon leader) in the 7./Panzer-Regiment 15 24 March 1943 — —
Franz Ketterl Heer 13-HOberleutnant Chief of the 1./Infanterie-Regiment 438 12 January 1942 — —
Hans Kettgen Waffen-SS 14-WSS-Hauptsturmführer Commander of the I./SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment "Schill" 14 February 1945 — —
Rudolf Kettmann Heer 06-HUnteroffizier Assault gun leader in the Panzer-Jäger-Kompanie 1122 17 April 1945 — —
Dr. med. Walter Keup Heer 12-HAssistenzarzt (assistant doctor—rank equivalent to Leutnant) Battalion doctor of the I./Füsilier-Regiment 202 21 March 1944 — —
Friedrich von Keußler Heer 17-HOberst Commander of Grenadier-Regiment 1 23 February 1944 — —
Eduard Kiefer Luftwaffe 14-LHauptmann Chief of the 2./Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung "Hermann Göring" 18 May 1943 — —
Hermann Kiefer Heer 13-HOberleutnant Commander of Stellungs-Kampfgruppe XII./2 (416. Infanterie-Division) 5 April 1945 — —
Martin Kiefer Heer 06-HUnteroffizier Group leader in the 7./Grenadier-Regiment 320 12 August 1944 — —
Dr. phil. Emil Kieffer Kriegsmarine 15-MKorvettenkapitän of the Reserves Chief of the 3. Minensuchflottille 3 December 1944 — —
Rudolf Kiehl Heer 14-HHauptmann Leader of the Kampfstaffel in the DAK Begleitkommando "Rommel" and leader of Kampfgruppe "Kiehl" 6 July 1942 — —
Johannes Kiel Luftwaffe 13-LOberleutnant of the Reserves Pilot in the I./Zerstörergeschwader 26 "Horst Wessel" 18 March 1942 — —
Rudolf Kiel Luftwaffe 14-LHauptmann Gruppenkommandeur of the I./Kampfgeschwader 55 20 December 1941 — —
Fritz Kienast Heer 13-HOberleutnant Leader of the 1./Füsilier-Bataillon "Deba" 9 April 1944 — —
August Kiene Heer 12-HLeutnant Leader of the 7./Panzergrenadier-Regiment 14 4 May 1944 — —
Werner Kienitz Heer 20-HGeneral der Infanterie Commanding general of the XVII. Armeekorps 31 August 1941 — —
Willy Kientsch+ Luftwaffe 12-LLeutnant Staffelführer of the 6./Jagdgeschwader 27 22 November 1943 Awarded 527th Oak Leaves 20 July 1944 —
Heinrich Kiermeier Heer 06-HUnteroffizier Group leader in the 8./Grenadier-Regiment 423 23 August 1944 — —
Wilhelm Kieser Heer 15-HMajor of the Reserves Commander of the II./Grenadier-Regiment 313 16 September 1943 — —
Gustav Kieseritzky Kriegsmarine 19-MVizeadmiral Commanding Admiral Schwarzes Meer (Black Sea) 20 November 1943* Killed in action 19 November 1943 —
Peter Kiesgen Heer 12-HLeutnant Leader of the 1./Infanterie-Regiment 239 5 October 1941 — —
Franz Kieslich+ Luftwaffe 13-LOberleutnant Staffelkapitän of the 7./Sturzkampfgeschwader 77 5 January 1943 Awarded 619th Oak Leaves 18 October 1944 —
Heinrich Kiesling+ Heer 15-HMajor Commander of the III./Grenadier-Regiment 768 10 June 1943 Awarded 321st Oak Leaves 7 November 1943 —
Helmut Kiesling Heer 14-HHauptmann of the Reserves Leader of the II./Grenadier-Regiment 336 1 September 1943 — —
Walter Kiess Luftwaffe 13-LOberleutnant Chief of the Lastensegler-Kommando in the Fallschirmjäger-Sturm Abteilung "Koch" 12 May 1940 — —
Gunter Kilian Luftwaffe 12-LLeutnant Staffelführer of the 2./Schlachtgeschwader 77 2 April 1945 — —
Gustav Kilian Heer 14-HHauptmann of the Reserves Leader of the 1./Infanterie-Wach-Bataillon 591 15 May 1942 — —
Wilhelm Kilian Heer 15-HMajor Commander of Divisions-Füsilier-Bataillon (A.A.) 102 8 February 1945 — —
Friedrich Kimmich Heer 15-HMajor of the Landwehr Leader of the II./Grenadier-Regiment 554 11 December 1942 — —
Hans-Jörg Kimmich Heer 14-HHauptmann Regiment adjutant in Grenadier-Regiment 119 (motorized) 25 January 1945 — —
Georg Kinder Heer 14-HHauptmann Commander of the II./Grenadier-Regiment 102 8 February 1944 — —
Alfred Kindler Luftwaffe 14-LHauptmann Staffelkapitän of the 6./Kampfgeschwader 2 24 September 1942 — —
Helmut Kinz? Waffen-SS 14-WSS-Hauptsturmführer Commander of Waffen-Gebirgs-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 13 of the SS 3 May 1945 — —
Eberhard Kinzel Heer 17-HOberst im Generalstab (in the General Staff) In the Generalstab des Heeres 23 December 1942 — A black-and-white photograph of a man wearing a military uniform and coat, peaked cap holding gloves in his hands.
Rudi Kinzinger Heer 13-HOberleutnant Chief of the Pionier-Kompanie/Jäger-Regiment 49 18 February 1945* Killed in action 16 February 1945 —
Walter Kipfmüller Luftwaffe 14-LHauptmann Staffelkapitän of the 2./Kampfgeschwader 77 29 October 1943 — —
Heinrich Kirchheim Heer 18-HGeneralmajor Commander of the Sonderstelle Libyen (special office Libya) and leader of the Italian Division "Brescia" 14 May 1941 —
Ernst Kirchlehner Heer 06-HUnteroffizier Group leader in the 2./Füsilier-Bataillon 126 23 October 1944* Killed in action 14 July 1944 —
Friedrich Kirchner+ Heer 19-HGeneralleutnant Commander of the 1. Panzer-Division 20 May 1940 Award 391st Oak Leaves 12 February 1944
127th Swords 26 January 1945 		A man wearing a military uniform with an Iron Cross displayed at the front of his uniform collar.
Heinz Kirchner Heer 12-HLeutnant of the Reserves Zugführer (platoon leader) in the 1./Schützen-Regiment 113 29 September 1941 — —
Kurt Kirchner Heer 09-HWachtmeister Gun leader in Sturmgeschütz-Batterie 667 20 February 1942 — —
Otto Kirchner Waffen-SS 12-WSS-Untersturmführer Leader of Stabsschwadron/SS-Reiter-Regiment 16 21 April 1944 — —
Dietrich Kirn Heer 14-HHauptmann Leader of Frontaufklärungs-Kommando 202 12 December 1944 — —
Hans Kirn Luftwaffe 10-LOberfeldwebel Pilot in the 8./Kampfgeschwader 6 29 February 1944 — —
Julius Kirn Heer 14-HHauptmann Chief of the 1./Panzer-Regiment 18 17 July 1941* Died of wounds 16 July 1941 —
Walter Kirsch Heer 13-HOberleutnant of the Reserves Chief of the 7./Grenadier-Regiment 161 6 March 1944 — —
Heinz Kirsche Heer 13-HOberleutnant of the Reserves Leader of the 2./Pionier-Bataillon 658 13 January 1942 — —
Wilhelm Kirschenmann Heer 06-HUnteroffizier Group leader in the 7./Grenadier-Regiment 82 12 March 1943 — —
Joachim Kirschner+ Luftwaffe 12-LLeutnant Staffelführer of the 5./Jagdgeschwader 3 "Udet" 23 December 1942 Awarded 267th Oak Leaves 2 August 1943 —
Ludwig Kirschner+ Heer 15-HMajor Commander of the I./Infanterie-Regiment 436 18 January 1942 Awarded 135th Oak Leaves 28 October 1942 —
Ernst Kirsten Heer 12-HLeutnant of the Reserves Leader of the 4./Grenadier-Regiment 410 15 May 1944* Killed in action 19 April 1944 —
Rudi Kirsten Heer 14-HHauptmann Leader of Panzergrenadier-Ersatz und Ausbildungs-Abteilung "Großdeutschland" 28 March 1945 — —
Hans Kissel Heer 17-HOberst Commander of Grenadier-Regiment 683 17 March 1944 — —
Paul Kitta Heer 09-HFeldwebel Zugführer (platoon leader) in the 1./Grenadier-Regiment 439 23 February 1944 — —
Dipl.-Ing. Friedrich Kittel Heer 18-HGeneralmajor Commander of the 62. Volks-Grenadier-Division 9 January 1945 — —
Heinrich Kittel Heer 18-HGeneralmajor Combat commander of Lemberg 12 August 1944 — A man wearing a military uniform with an Iron Cross displayed at the front of his uniform collar.
Kurt Kittel Heer 04-HObergefreiter Granatwerfertruppführer (grenade thrower troop leader) in the 5./Grenadier-Regiment 88 29 November 1944 — —
Otto Kittel+ Luftwaffe 10-LOberfeldwebel Pilot in the 2./Jagdgeschwader 54 29 October 1943 Awarded 449th Oak Leaves 11 April 1944
113th Swords 25 November 1944 		—
Hans Klärmann Heer 14-HHauptmann Leader of the II./Grenadier-Regiment 361 9 September 1942 — —
Hans Klaiber Luftwaffe 12-LLeutnant Zugführer (platoon leader) in the 3.(I)/Flak-Regiment 11 (motorized) 26 July 1942 — —
Hans Klammeck Heer 10-HOberfeldwebel Zugführer (platoon leader) in the 4.(MG)/Grenadier-Regiment 1082 10 February 1945 — —
Günter Klappich+ Heer 13-HOberleutnant Chief of the 11./Infanterie-Regiment 60 (motorized) 31 July 1942 Awarded 254th Oak Leaves 8 June 1943 —
Edmund Klar Heer 09-HWachtmeister Vorgeschobener Beobachter (forward observer) in the 3./Artillerie-Regiment 122 17 June 1943 — —
Fritz Klasing+ Heer 16-HOberstleutnant of the Reserves Commander of Grenadier-Regiment 446 12 August 1944 Awarded 745th Oak Leaves 19 February 1945 —
Helmut Klassmann Kriegsmarine 14-MKapitänleutnant Chief of the 3. Räumbootsflottille 22 December 1943 — —
Paul Klatt+ Heer 17-HOberst Commander of Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 138 4 January 1943 Awarded 686th Oak Leaves 26 December 1944 A man wearing a military uniform with an Iron Cross displayed at the front of his uniform collar.
Werner Klaucke Heer 12-HLeutnant of the Reserves Zugführer (platoon leader) in the 3./Panzer-Jäger-Abteilung 200 4 July 1944 — —
Johann-Alfred Klaus Luftwaffe 13-LOberleutnant Staffelführer of the 6./Schlachtgeschwader 1 26 March 1944 — —
Ludwig Klaus Heer 15-HMajor Commander of Panzer-Jäger-Abteilung 340 7 October 1944 — —
Otto Klaus Heer 14-HHauptmann Commander of the II./Grenadier-Regiment 333 17 September 1944 — —
Franz Klausgraber Heer 14-HHauptmann Commander of the III./Infanterie-Regiment 227 13 March 1942 — —
Erich Klawe+ Heer 14-HHauptmann Leader of the I./Infanterie-Regiment 23 12 July 1942 Awarded 227th Oak Leaves 14 April 1943 —
Ludwig Kleber Heer 13-HOberleutnant Chief of the 1./Feld-Ersatz-Bataillon 212 5 April 1945* Killed in action 9 February 1945 —
Friedrich Klee Heer 06-HUnteroffizier Leader of the assault platoon/Füsilier-Bataillon 126 21 January 1945 — —
Karl Kleeberger Heer 06-HUnteroffizier Group leader in the 1./Grenadier-Regiments Gruppe 554 9 June 1944 — —
Ulrich Kleemann+ Heer 17-HOberst Commander of the 3. Schützen-Brigade 13 October 1941 Awarded 304th Oak Leaves 16 September 1943 —
Willy Kleemann Heer 10-HOberfähnrich Leader of the 2./Panzer-Pionier-Bataillon 51 11 January 1945 — —
Paul-Georg Kleffel Heer 13-HOberleutnant of the Reserves Chief of the 4./Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 3 14 May 1944 — —
Philipp Kleffel Heer 19-HGeneralleutnant Commander of the 1. Infanterie-Division 17 February 1942 — —
Franz Kleffner Waffen-SS 15-WSS-Sturmbannführer Commander of SS-Kradschützen-Bataillon "Totenkopf" 19 February 1942 — —
Fritz Kleim Heer 06-HUnteroffizier Group leader in the 5./Grenadier-Brigade 388 3 November 1944 — —
Hans Kleimann Heer 06-HUnteroffizier Zugführer (platoon leader) in the 8.(MG)/Grenadier-Regiment 426 5 April 1945 — —
Alfons Klein Luftwaffe 13-LOberleutnant Staffelkapitän of the 10./Jagdgeschwader 11 27 April 1945 — —
Armin Klein Luftwaffe 12-LLeutnant Leader of the 15./Fallschirm-Flak-Regiment "Hermann Göring" 12 March 1945 — —
Georg Klein Heer 09-HFeldwebel Zugführer (platoon leader) in the 15./Jäger-Regiment 204 27 August 1943 — —
Gerhard Klein Heer 16-HOberstleutnant Commander of the Waffenschule (weapons school) AOK 9 30 December 1943 — —
Heinrich Klein Luftwaffe 14-LHauptmann Staffelkapitän of the 2./Kampfgeschwader 27 "Boelcke" 10 June 1943 — —
Dr. Herbert Klein Luftwaffe 13-LOberleutnant Pilot in the Stabsstaffel I./Kampfgeschwader 100 29 February 1944 — —
Hermann Klein+ Heer 13-HOberleutnant of the Reserves Regiment adjutant of Grenadier-Regiment 551 15 April 1944 Awarded 567th Oak Leaves 2 September 1944 —
Kurt Klein Heer 10-HOberfeldwebel Zugführer (platoon leader) in the 12.(MG)/Grenadier-Regiment 424 16 April 1944 — —
Max Klein Heer 09-HFeldwebel Zugführer (platoon leader) in the 2./Grenadier-Regiment 485 9 April 1944 — —
Walter Klein Heer 15-HMajor Commander of the III./Infanterie-Regiment 193 9 May 1940 — —
Erhard Kleindienst Heer 12-HLeutnant Leader of the 8./Jäger-Regiment 28 18 December 1944* Killed in action 11 October 1944 —
Matthias Kleinheisterkamp+ Waffen-SS 18-WSS-Brigadeführer and Generalmajor of the Waffen-SS Commander of SS-Division "Das Reich" 31 March 1942 Awarded (871st) Oak Leaves 9 May 1945?
Alfons Kleinmann Heer 14-HHauptmann Leader of the I./Grenadier-Regiment 118 14 August 1943 — —
Ernst Kleinschmidt Heer 12-HLeutnant of the Reserves Adjutant in Panzergrenadier-Regiment 111 30 September 1943 — —
Werner Kleinschmidt Heer 14-HHauptmann Company chief in the Aufklärungs-Abteilung 341 (motorized) 14 December 1941 — —
Paul Ludwig Ewald von Kleist+ Heer 20-HGeneral der Kavallerie Commanding general of the XXII. Armeekorps (Panzer-Gruppe "von Kleist") 15 May 1940 Awarded 72nd Oak Leaves 17 February 1942
60th Swords 30 March 1944 		The head and shoulders of a man sitting, shown in semi profile. He wears a beaked cap and a military uniform, and an Iron Cross displayed at the front of his uniform collar. His left hand is gloved and he is holding the hilt of a saber in both hands. His facial expression is a determined; his head is pointed to the right of the camera.
Jarislaff von Kleist-Retzow Heer 15-HMajor Commander of the II./Artillerie-Regiment 161 14 February 1945 — —
Helmut Klemann Heer 13-HOberleutnant Leader of the 2./Panzergrenadier-Regiment 59 28 October 1944 — —
Hans Klemm Heer 06-HUnteroffizier Group leader in the 2./Infanterie-Regiment "Großdeutschland" (motorized) 10 December 1942 — —
Rudolf Klemm Luftwaffe 14-LHauptmann Staffelkapitän of the 10./Jagdgeschwader 54 18 November 1944 — —
Heinrich Klemt? Heer 14-HHauptmann Leader of Panzer-Pionier-Baillion II./Führer-Grenadier-Brigade 2 May 1945 — —
Bernhard Klemz Heer 14-HHauptmann Chief of the 5./Panzer-Regiment "Großdeutschland" 4 June 1944 — —
Friedrich Kless Luftwaffe 15-LMajor Gruppenkommandeur of the II./Kampfgeschwader 55 14 October 1940 — —
Albert Klett Waffen-SS 13-WSS-Obersturmführer of the Reserves Chief of the 6./SS-Kavallerie-Regiment 15 "Florian Geyer" 16 October 1944 — A man wearing a military uniform and neck order in the shape of a cross. His black hair is parted and his facial expression is determined.
Hans-Dietrich Klette Luftwaffe 15-LMajor Gruppenkommandeur of the Fernaufklärungs-Gruppe 4 5 April 1944 — —
Nikodemus Kliemann? Heer 17-HOberst Commander of Grenadier-Regiment 410 9 May 1945 — —
Heinz Klien Luftwaffe 13-LOberleutnant Staffelkapitän in the II./Kampfgeschwader 27 "Boelcke" 12 November 1941 — —
Erich Klier Heer 13-HOberleutnant of the Reserves Chief of the 5./Jäger-Regiment 56 4 May 1944 — —
Robert Klima Heer 12-HLeutnant of the Reserves Leader of the 6./Grenadier-Regiment 1 10 August 1943 — —
Helmut Klimek Luftwaffe 10-LOberfeldwebel Radio operator in the 14.(Eisenbahnbekämpfungsstaffel)/Kampfgeschwader 27 "Boelcke" 9 June 1944 — —
Heinrich Kling Waffen-SS 14-WSS-Hauptsturmführer Chief of the 13.(schwere)/SS-Panzer-Regiment 1 "Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler" 23 February 1944 — —
Fritz Klingenberg Waffen-SS 14-WSS-Hauptsturmführer Chief of the 2./SS-Kradschützen-Bataillon 2 "Reich" 14 May 1941 — A smiling man wearing a military uniform, peaked cap and a neck order in the shape of a cross. His cap has an emblem in shape of a human skull and crossed bones.
Kurt Klinger Heer 13-HOberleutnant Chief of the 15.(Radfahr)/Grenadier-Regiment 89 19 January 1943 — —
Walter Klinke Heer 15-HMajor Commander of the I./Grenadier-Regiment 31 30 September 1944 — —
Friedrich Klischat Heer 09-HFeldwebel Zugführer (platoon leader) in the 3./Füssilier-Regiment 27 12 March 1944 — —
Franz Klitsch Heer 13-HOberleutnant of the Reserves Company leader in Grenadier-Regiment 120 (motorized) 22 January 1943 — —
Walter Klocke Heer 16-HOberstleutnant Commander of Sturm-Regiment 215 20 April 1944 — —
Heinrich Klöpper Luftwaffe 10-LOberfeldwebel Pilot in the 11./Jagdgeschwader 51 "Mölders" 4 September 1942 — —
Wilhelm Klöpping Heer 04-HObergefreiter Machine gunner in the 5./Panzergrenadier-Regiment 4 15 May 1943 — —
Hermann Kloos Heer 14-HHauptmann of the Reserves Chief of the 3.(Schützenpanzerwagen)/Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 8 13 December 1943* Died of wounds 10 December 1943 —
Otto Klos Heer 14-HHauptmann Leader of Jäger-Regiment 41 (L) 9 December 1944 — —
Erwin Klose Heer 14-HHauptmann Leader of the II./Jäger-Regiment 28 9 January 1945 — —
Friedrich Klose Heer 06-HUnteroffizier Gun leader in the 14.(Panzerjäger)/Infanterie-Regiment 240 20 August 1942 — —
Helmut Klose Heer 10-HOberfeldwebel Kompanietruppführer (company headquarters leader) in the 6./Panzergrenadier-Regiment 115 16 November 1944 — —
Paul Klose Heer 15-HMajor of the Reserves Commander of the I./Festungs-Grenadier-Regiment "Hauf" in the fortress Breslau 30 April 1945 — —
Werner Klosinski Luftwaffe 16-LOberstleutnant Geschwaderkommodore of Kampfgeschwader 4 "General Wever" 9 June 1944 — —
Karl Kloskowski+ Waffen-SS 10-WSS-Hauptscharführer Zugführer (platoon leader) in the 4./SS-Panzer-Regiment 2 "Das Reich" 11 July 1943 Awarded 546th Oak Leaves 11 August 1944 A black-and-white photograph of a man wearing a camouflage military uniform, side cap and a pair of binoculars around his neck. His cap has an emblem in shape of a human skull and crossed bones.
Max Kloß Heer 15-HMajor Commander of the II./Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 144 26 November 1944 — —
Ernst Klossek Heer 13-HOberleutnant Chief of the 12./Infanterie-Regiment 422 23 February 1942 — —
Bernhard Klosterkemper Heer 17-HOberst Commander of Grenadier-Regiment 920 4 July 1944 — —
Ludwig Klotz Heer 13-HOberleutnant of the Reserves Chief of the 9./Infanterie-Regiment 423 4 July 1940 — —
Hans Klotzsche Heer 15-HMajor Commander of the I./Panzer-Artillerie-Regiment 80 28 December 1943 — —
Wilhelm Klüber Luftwaffe 13-LOberleutnant Staffelkapitän of the 8./Sturzkampfgeschwader 1 16 April 1943 — —
Werner Klümper Luftwaffe 15-LMajor Geschwaderkommodore of Kampfgeschwader 26 29 August 1943 — —
Erich Klünder Kriegsmarine 15-MKorvettenkapitän Chief of the 5. Minensuchflottille 12 August 1944 — —
Ewald Klüser Heer 14-HHauptmann Chief of the 2./Pionier-Bataillon 12 10 February 1945 — —
Max Klüver Heer 14-HHauptmann of the Reserves Commander of the I./Panzergrenadier-Regiment 40 12 October 1943 — —
Bernd Klug+ Kriegsmarine 14-MKapitänleutnant Commander of Schnellboot S-28 in the 1. Schnellbootflottille 12 March 1941 Awarded 361st Oak Leaves 1 January 1944
Ernst Kluge Heer 09-HFeldwebel Zugführer (platoon leader) in the 6./Panzergrenadier-Regiment 25 7 October 1944 — —
Gerhard Kluge Heer 13-HOberleutnant of the Reserves Leader of the II./Grenadier-Regiment 586 9 June 1944 — A man with glasses wearing a military uniform with an Iron Cross displayed at the front of his uniform collar.
Günther von Kluge+ Heer 20-HGeneral der Artillerie Commander-in-Chief of the 4. Armee 30 September 1939 Awarded 181st Oak Leaves 18 January 1943
40th Swords 29 October 1943 		Black-and-white portrait of an older man wearing a military uniform with an Iron Cross displayed at his neck, his hair is combed back.
Waldemar Kluge Luftwaffe 15-LMajor Commander of the I./Fallschirm-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 2 "Hermann Göring" 2 August 1943 — —
Wolfgang von Kluge Heer 19-HGeneralleutnant Commander of the 292. Infanterie-Division 29 August 1943 — —
Hans-Jürgen Klußmann Luftwaffe 13-LOberleutnant Technical officer in the I./Schlachtgeschwader 1 9 November 1944 — —
Bernhard Kluth Heer 09-HFeldwebel Zugführer (platoon leader) in the 12./Schützen-Regiment 4 28 November 1940 — —
Lothar Kmitta Luftwaffe 12-LLeutnant Pilot in the Nahaufklärungs-Gruppe 5 18 November 1944 — —

Notes

  1. Großadmiral and President of Germany Karl Dönitz, Hitler's successor as Head of State (Staatsoberhaupt) and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, had ordered the cessation of all promotions and awards as of 11 May 1945 (Dönitz-decree). Consequently the last Knight's Cross awarded to Oberleutnant zur See of the Reserves Georg-Wolfgang Feller on 17 June 1945 must therefore be considered a de facto but not de jure hand-out.
  2. For an explanation of the various naming schemes used by the Luftwaffe, Heer, Kriegsmarine and Waffen-SS refer to nomenclature used by the Wehrmacht and Waffen-SS.
  3. According to Scherzer as Staffelführer of the 1./Nahaufklärungsgruppe 13.
  4. According to Scherzer as Hauptmann of the Reserves.
  5. According to Scherzer as Oberstleutnant.
  6. According to Scherzer as commander of schwere Panzer-Abteilung 503.
  7. According to Scherzer as pilot in the 9./Jagdgeschwader 77.
  8. According to Scherzer as leader of the III.(gepanzerte)/SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment "Der Führer".
  9. According to Scherzer as pilot in the 13./Jagdgeschwader 51 "Mölders".
  10. According to Scherzer as group leader of the 1./Infanterie-Regiment 67.
  11. Unlawful presentation to Werner Kaminski by the Dönitz Government (Regierung Dönitz) after 8 May 1945, which can be verified by radio communication dated on 21 May 1945. The presentation date was backdated by Walther-Peer Fellgiebel.
  12. According to Scherzer as Zugführer (platoon leader) in the 2./Infanterie-Regiment 446.
  13. According to Scherzer in the 14./Grenadier-Regiment z.b.V. Panzer-AOK 1.
  14. ^ According to Scherzer as SS-Obersturmführer of the Reserves and leader of the 9./2. SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment "Leibsatndarte SS Adolf Hitler".
  15. According to Scherzer as commander of SS-Artillerie-Regiment 11.
  16. According to Scherzer as commander of Artillerie-Leichter AF-65 in the 6. Artillerieträger-Flottille.
  17. According to Scherzer as Oberst of the Reserves.
  18. No evidence of the award can be found in the German Federal Archives. Walther-Peer Fellgiebel claimed that Paul-Albert Kausch, at the time wounded in the Reich Chancellery, had received news that according to a radio message received from Panzer AOK 11 had been awarded the Oak Leaves on 23 April 1945 from SS-Brigadeführer Joachim Ziegler. Ziegler, the Division commander of Kausch, was killed in action on 1 May 1945. Ernst-Günther Krätschmer however indicated that Kausch was wounded 25 April, therefore he couldn’t have received the news on 25 April. The 11th SS Volunteer Panzergrenadier Division Nordland was only subordinated to the 11th Panzer Armee in February 1945. The Stab of the 11th Panzer Army then relocated to the Western Front where it surrendered on 21 April. Krätschmer claimed that the award was presented for the actions during the middle of April east of Berlin. Mr. J.S. Fischer, who was verifying the Oak Leaves presentation on behalf of Fellgiebel is not aware of a radio message received from the Panzer AOK 11. Fischer indicated that he only referenced the information presented by Kausch, which is already stated in Krätschmer. According to information by Fischer on 14 October 2004, Fellgiebel had made the note about the Panzer AOK 11. The sequential number "845" was assigned by the Association of Knight's Cross Recipients (AKCR), according to Krätschmer the number is "846", the date was accepted by the AKCR. Kausch was member of the AKCR.
  19. According to Scherzer as chief of the 7./Panzergrenadier-Regiment (motorized) 156.
  20. Name may also be spelled Paul Kazmaier.
  21. According to Scherzer as leader of the 15./SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 21.
  22. According to Scherzer as deputy leader of the 1./Panzer-Regiment 8.
  23. According to Scherzer as commander of Artillerie-Abteilung 621 (russisch).
  24. According to Scherzer as pilot in the Aufklärungsstaffel 1.(F)/122.
  25. According to Scherzer as chief of the 1./Divisions-Füsilier-Bataillon 72.
  26. According to Scherzer as pilot in the III./Jagdgeschwader 3 "Udet".
  27. According to Scherzer as group leader in the 1./Luftlande-Sturm-Regiment 1.
  28. ^ The brackets around the doctor title denotes that the academic title was attained after the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was awarded.
  29. According to Scherzer as leader of Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 4.
  30. According to Scherzer as Oberleutnant.
  31. According to Scherzer as commander of SS-Standarte "Der Führer".
  32. According to Scherzer as Zugführer (platoon leader) in the 1./Panzer-Jäger-Abteilung 5.
  33. According to Scherzer as Zugführer (platoon leader) in the 11./Fallschirmjäger-Regiment 1.
  34. According to Scherzer as pilot in the 5./Transportgeschwader 3.
  35. According to Scherzer as leader of the 8./Kampfgruppe "Bruhn" .
  36. According to Scherzer as commander of Fallschirmjäger-Bataillon "Kerutt" .
  37. According to Scherzer on 24 January 1944.
  38. According to Scherzer as chief of Luftflotte 1 and commander-in-chief east.
  39. According to Scherzer as leader of the 6./SS-Panzer-Regiment 2.
  40. ^ According to Scherzer on 24 October 1944 as observer in the Aufklärungsstaffel 1.(F)/121.
  41. According to Scherzer as Oberleutnant of the Reserves.
  42. According to Scherzer as commander of the I./SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment "Schill" .
  43. According to Scherzer as Assistenzarzt of the Reserves.
  44. Scherzer provides three possible name variants, Eduard-Heinrich Kiefer, Till Kiwe and Eduard-Heinrich Kiver.
  45. According to Scherzer as commander of Stellungs-Kampfgruppe XII./2 .
  46. According to Scherzer as leader of the Kampfstaffel Panzer AOK Afrika (Begleitkommando "Rommel").
  47. According to Scherzer as leader of the 1./Füsilier-Bataillon "Deba" .
  48. According to Scherzer as pilot in the II./Jagdgeschwader 27.
  49. According to Scherzer as chief of the Lastensegler-Kommando in the Luftlande-Sturm Abteilung "Koch".
  50. According to Scherzer as leader of the 1./Wach-Bataillon 591.
  51. According to Scherzer as commander of Divisions-Füsilier-Bataillon 102.
  52. According to Scherzer as adjutant in Grenadier-Regiment 119.
  53. No evidence of the award can be found in the German Federal Archives. Also was never processed by the Order Commission of the Association of Knight's Cross Recipients (AKCR). According to Von Semen, it was presumably presented by General Maximilian de Angelis on the basis of the Dönitz-decree. Walther-Peer Fellgiebel noted in his book: "A justification for the presentation was not given".
  54. ^ According to Scherzer on 21 December 1942 as chief department GZ with the chief of the Generalstab des Heeres .
  55. According to Scherzer as commander of the Sonderstelle Libyen (special office Libya) of the Oberkommando des Heeres and leader of the Italian Division "Brescia".
  56. According to Scherzer as group leader in the 2./Divisions-Füsilier-Bataillon 126.
  57. Dietrich Kirn is a cover name used while serving in the Abwehr (military intelligence). His real name is Dietrich Witzel.
  58. According to Scherzer as pilot in the I./Jagdgeschwader 54.
  59. According to Scherzer as Meß- und Erkundungsoffizier (measuring and reconnaissance officer) in the 3./Flak-Regiment 9.
  60. According to Scherzer as Zugführer (platoon leader) in the 4./Grenadier-Regiment 1082.
  61. According to Scherzer as Oberleutnant of the Reserves.
  62. According to Scherzer as commander of SS-"Totenkopf"-Kradschützen-Bataillon.
  63. ^ According to Scherzer his name is spelled Hans Kleinmann who received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross as a Zugführer (platoon leader) in the 8./Grenadier-Regiment 426.
  64. According to Scherzer as commander of the Armee-Waffen-Schule (army weapons school) AOK 9.
  65. According to Scherzer as adjutant of Grenadier-Regiment 551.
  66. According to Scherzer as Zugführer (platoon leader) in the 12./Grenadier-Regiment 424.
  67. According to Scherzer as Leutnant of the Reserves.
  68. Scherzer expressed doubt about the veracity of the presentation of the Oak Leaves to Matthias Kleinheisterkamp. According to Scherzer, Fellgiebel claims that the nomination was received by the Heerespersonalamt (HPA—Army Staff Office) via teleprinter from the commander-in-chief of the 9. Armee, General Theodor Busse, on 21 April 1945. Busse had nominated SS-Obergruppenführer Kleinheisterkamp for the Oak Leaves. The claim is that the teleprinter message contained a note that the formal procedure for immediate approval should be waited for (Dienstwegvorschlag bzgl. Sofortverleihung abwarten). This teleprinter message cannot be found in the German Nation Archives (Bestand RH 7). Busse had also nominated by teleprinter message Generalmajor Joachim von Siegroth on the 21 April. This teleprinter message can be found in the Nation Archives (Bundesarchiv RH 7/300). According to Fellgiebel the same note can be found on von Siegroth's nomination. This means that a formal nomination, in this instance via the Army Group Vistula, followed. Both announced "formal nominations" never followed and were never received by the HPA. The teleprinter message nomination of von Siegroth is listed in the book of "Verliehene Ritterkreuze" (Awarded Knight Crosses) with an entry date of 21 April but Kleinheisterkamp's nomination isn't. The reason for this may be that the liaison officer of the Waffen-SS at the HPA/P5a may have forwarded the nomination to the Reichsführer-SS for approval. From here it should have been returned to the HPA, which it wasn't. The distribution list of von Siegroth's nomination indicates that general Busse had informed the Army Group Vistula and the chief of the HPA general Wilhelm Burgdorf. It is very likely that Kleinheisterkamp's nomination had the same distribution list as von Siegroth's, because the same principles applied. Burgdorf therefore should have been informed of the formal procedure regarding Kleinheisterkamp's nomination. The question remains unanswered whether the Führer Headquarter or Adolf Hitler has approved the direct nomination of Kleinheisterkamp on 28 April or not. Scherzer claims that this is very unlikely because Burgdorf would not have done two things. First, submit a nomination to the Führer without having assessed the situation himself, which only would have been possible if he had studied the formal paperwork. Secondly he would not have bypassed the formal procedure which was already initiated. Additionally the radio connection to the Führerbunker was down since 5:00 on 28 April 1945. The sequential number "871" was assigned by the Association of Knight's Cross Recipients (AKCR) and the date is assumed.
  69. According to Scherzer as battalion adjutant in Panzergrenadier-Regiment 111.
  70. According to Scherzer as Staffelkapitän in the IV./Jagdgeschwader 54.
  71. No evidence of the award can be found in the German Federal Archives. Walther-Peer Fellgiebel, just like Gerhard von Seemen, assumed a presentation via the chief of the Heerespersonalamt (HPA—Army Personnel Office) Wilhelm Burgdorf to be very unlikely. The Führer-Grenadier-Division had been deployed in Silesia and the Ostmark (Austria) in March 1945 and not in the vicinity of Berlin. Scherzer was denied access to files, which could help clarify the case, of the Association of Knight's Cross Recipients (AKCR) on the grounds of the Bundesarchivgesetz (German Archive Law). Heinrich Klemt was listed for the first time in the second edition of Von Seemen's book Die Ritterkreuzträger 1939–45—The Knight's Cross Bearers 1939–45 with a footnote: "No evidence in the German Federal Archives, presentation from the combat area Berlin". This information was later published in 1984 by Helmuth Spaeter, author of Die Geschichte des Panzerkorps Großdeutschland—The History of the Panzer Corps Großdeutschland and in 1986 by Fellgiebel.
  72. According to Scherzer as chief of the 6./SS-Kavallerie-Regiment 15.
  73. Nikodemus Kliemann's nomination of the Heerespersonalamt (HPA—Army Staff Office) was ready for signature but the process was never completed. The Association of Knight's Cross Recipients (AKCR) claims that the presentation was in accordance with the Dönitz-decree. This is illegal according to the Deutsche Dienststelle (WASt) and lacks legal justification. The presentation date was assigned by Walther-Peer Fellgiebel.
  74. According to Scherzer as radio operator in the 14.(Eisenbahnbekämpfungsstaffel/Nachtkampftauglich)/Kampfgeschwader 27 "Boelcke".
  75. According to Scherzer as chief of the 2./SS-Kradschützen-Bataillon of the SS-Division "Reich".
  76. According to Scherzer as leader of Stabskompanie/Grenadier-Regiment (motorized) 120.
  77. According to Scherzer as gun leader in the 14./Infanterie-Regiment 240.
  78. According to Scherzer as Zugführer (platoon leader) in the 4./SS-Panzer-Regiment 2.
  79. According to Scherzer as pilot in the 2./Nahaufklärungs-Gruppe 5.

References

Citations

  1. Williamson & Bujeiro 2004, pp. 3–4.
  2. Fellgiebel 2000, p. 4.
  3. Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 113–460, 483, 485–487, 492, 494, 498–499, 501, 503, 509.
  4. Scherzer 2007, pp. 117–186.
  5. ^ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 248–261.
  6. Scherzer 2007, pp. 147–149.
  7. Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 261–281.
  8. "Reichsgesetzblatt Teil I S. 1573; 1 September 1939". ALEX Österreichische Nationalbibliothek (in German). Reichsministerium des Inneren (Ministry of the Interior). Retrieved 21 February 2008.
  9. "Reichsgesetzblatt Teil I S. 849; 3 June 1940". ALEX Österreichische Nationalbibliothek (in German). Reichsministerium des Inneren (Ministry of the Interior). Retrieved 21 February 2008.
  10. "Reichsgesetzblatt Teil I S. 613; 28 September 1941". ALEX Österreichische Nationalbibliothek (in German). Reichsministerium des Inneren (Ministry of the Interior). Retrieved 21 February 2008.
  11. "Reichsgesetzblatt 1945 I S. 11; 29 December 1944". ALEX Österreichische Nationalbibliothek (in German). Reichsministerium des Inneren (Ministry of the Interior). Retrieved 21 February 2008.
  12. Fellgiebel 2000, p. 112.
  13. Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 102–111.
  14. ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 426.
  15. ^ Fellgiebel 2000, p. 248.
  16. ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 427.
  17. ^ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 248, 493.
  18. ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 428.
  19. ^ Fellgiebel 2000, p. 249.
  20. ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 429.
  21. ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 430.
  22. ^ Fellgiebel 2000, p. 250.
  23. ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 147.
  24. ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 431.
  25. ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 432.
  26. ^ Fellgiebel 2000, p. 251.
  27. ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 433.
  28. ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 434.
  29. Fellgiebel 2000, p. 102.
  30. Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 251, 493.
  31. ^ Fellgiebel 2000, p. 252.
  32. ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 435.
  33. Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 252, 493.
  34. ^ Fellgiebel 2000, p. 253.
  35. ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 436.
  36. ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 437.
  37. ^ Fellgiebel 2000, p. 254.
  38. ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 438.
  39. ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 439.
  40. ^ Scherzer 2007, pp. 439, 444.
  41. ^ Fellgiebel 2000, p. 255.
  42. ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 440.
  43. Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 255, 494.
  44. ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 441.
  45. ^ Fellgiebel 2000, p. 256.
  46. Von Seemen 1976, p. 191.
  47. Fellgiebel 2000, p. 27.
  48. Scherzer 2007, pp. 147–148.
  49. ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 442.
  50. ^ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 256, 494.
  51. ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 793.
  52. ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 443.
  53. ^ Fellgiebel 2000, p. 257.
  54. Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 257, 494.
  55. ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 444.
  56. ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 445.
  57. ^ Fellgiebel 2000, p. 258.
  58. ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 446.
  59. ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 447.
  60. ^ Fellgiebel 2000, p. 259.
  61. Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 104, 482.
  62. Scherzer 2007, p. 148.
  63. ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 448.
  64. ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 149.
  65. ^ Fellgiebel 2000, p. 260.
  66. ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 449.
  67. ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 450.
  68. ^ Fellgiebel 2000, p. 261.
  69. ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 451.
  70. Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 261, 494.

Bibliography

  • Fellgiebel, Walther-Peer (2000). Die Träger des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939–1945 — Die Inhaber der höchsten Auszeichnung des Zweiten Weltkrieges aller Wehrmachtteile [The Bearers of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross 1939–1945 — The Owners of the Highest Award of the Second World War of all Wehrmacht Branches] (in German). Friedberg, Germany: Podzun-Pallas. ISBN 978-3-7909-0284-6.
  • Scherzer, Veit (2007). Die Ritterkreuzträger 1939–1945 Die Inhaber des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939 von Heer, Luftwaffe, Kriegsmarine, Waffen-SS, Volkssturm sowie mit Deutschland verbündeter Streitkräfte nach den Unterlagen des Bundesarchives [The Knight's Cross Bearers 1939–1945 The Holders of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross 1939 by Army, Air Force, Navy, Waffen-SS, Volkssturm and Allied Forces with Germany According to the Documents of the Federal Archives] (in German). Jena, Germany: Scherzers Miltaer-Verlag. ISBN 978-3-938845-17-2.
  • Von Seemen, Gerhard (1976). Die Ritterkreuzträger 1939–1945 : die Ritterkreuzträger sämtlicher Wehrmachtteile, Brillanten-, Schwerter- und Eichenlaubträger in der Reihenfolge der Verleihung : Anhang mit Verleihungsbestimmungen und weiteren Angaben [The Knight's Cross Bearers 1939–1945 : The Knight's Cross Bearers of All the Armed Services, Diamonds, Swords and Oak Leaves Bearers in the Order of Presentation: Appendix with Further Information and Presentation Requirements] (in German). Friedberg, Germany: Podzun-Verlag. ISBN 978-3-7909-0051-4.
  • Williamson, Gordon; Bujeiro, Ramiro (2004). Knight's Cross and Oak Leaves Recipients 1939–40. Oxford, UK: Osprey Publishing. ISBN 978-1-84176-641-6.

External links

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