During the Western campaigns it became apparent that a new grade would be needed to further distinguish those who had received the highest grade of the Iron Cross. On June 3rd, 1940 Hitler introduced the Oak leaves to the Knights Cross. The award was to be worn above the Cross, in the place where one would normally see the ribbon loop. Oak Leaves were not unprecedented in the history of German decorations. Both the Pour le Merit and the Prussian Order of the Red Eagle had been graded with oak leaves. The Iron Cross 1870 had commemorated the 25th anniversary of the successful conclusion of the Franco-Prussian War with an Oak Leave Clasp.

The award was a roughly circular clasp of three oak leaves, with the center one superimposed on the other two. It measured 20mm by 20mm and weight approximately 6 grams. Recipients were allowed to purchase an official copy of the award for every day wear, and these copies sometimes varied in weight but little variance is encountered in quality. The Clasp was die struck in solid silver and given a chemical mat finish. The silver grade stamped on the reverse and the manufacturers mark, if present, was stamped on the other side of the ribbon loop. The reverse was smooth and initially noticeably concave though Oak Leaves manufactured after 1941 had a flatter reverse. Soldered to this reverse was the suspension loop through which the ribbon passed, and unlike those of the Knights Cross this loop was never hallmarked.

When presented the Oak Leaves the Knights Cross came in a box covered in black simulated leather. The lid of the box was lined with white satin and the base, where the Cluster rested, was covered in black velvet. After it was awarded the recipient would simply remove the suspension ring of his Cross and replace it with the Oak Leaves. The award also came with documents authorizing the presentation and wear of the award.

Criteria for the Oak Leaves was based on continued excellence in command, bravery of the highest order or actions of significant importance. Recommendations for the Oak Leaves were formally presented by the Commanding Officer and reviewed all the way to Hitler, who closely scrutinized each one and very often presented the award personally. The first recipient was Generaloberst Eduard Dietl, who received the Oak Leaves at the same time he was promoted to General der Gerbirgstruppe on June 19th, 1941 for his command in the capture of Narvik. Luffwaffe Major Walter Nowotny received his Oak Leaves upon destroying 189 enemy aircraft and Kriegsmarine Kapitanleutnant Heinrich Blechrodt was decorated with them on September 23rd, 1942, after sinking more than 200,000 tons of shipping. A total of 882 Oak Leaves were presented during the war, with eight additional being presented to members of Axis Allied armies as follows; Three Rumanian, two Japanese, and one each to a Finnish, Hungarian, and Spanish Officer.

Obverse	Reverse	Oak Leaves Recipient Feldwebel Koepen

Iron Cross Index

Iron Cross Recipients Index