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 Waffen-SS. Within each of these lists a unique sequential number was assigned to each recipient.
The High Command of the Armed Forces kept distinct lists of Knight's Cross holders, one for each branch: Heer (Army), Kriegsmarine (Navy), Luftwaffe (Air Force), and Waffen-SS. Within these lists, a unique number was assigned to each recipient.