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.
The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was granted to individuals for a variety of accomplishments and at different levels of seniority, from experienced commanders who demonstrated exceptional tactical skills in battle to junior soldiers who displayed extraordinary courage in a single situation.