Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Golden Oak Leaves, Swords, and Diamonds

Knight's Cross with Golden Oak Leaves, Swords, and Diamonds

The Knight's Cross with Golden Oak Leaves, Swords, and Diamonds (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Goldenem Eichenlaub, Schwertern und Brillanten) was instituted on 29 December 1944. This medal was the highest level, originally intended for 12 of the most distinguished servicemen in the entire German armed forces after the war ended. Six sets of Golden Oak Leaves were manufactured, each consisting of an A-piece, made of 18 Carat gold with 58 real diamonds and a B-piece, made of 14 Carat with 68 real sapphires. One of these sets was presented to Hans-Ulrich Rudel on 1 January 1945; the remaining five sets were taken to Schloss Klessheim, where they were taken by the US forces.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knight%27s_Cross_of_the_Iron_Cross#Knight's_Cross_with_Golden_Oak_Leaves,_Swords,_and_Diamonds

1 officially bestowed recipient

1. Hans-Ulrich Rudel