The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross () 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.
The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross () and its variants were the highest honors in the military and paramilitary forces of Nazi Germany during World War II. The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was conferred for a broad spectrum of reasons and across all ranks, from a senior commander for exceptional leadership of his troops in combat to a low-ranking soldier for an extraordinary act of bravery.