The Ritterkreuz
The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oakleaves and Swords
Das Ritterkreuz des Eisernes Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub und Schwerter (The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oakleaves and Swords).
Awarded to Michael Wittmann on 22 June 1944 as SS-Obersturmführer and Tiger I Commander/Commanding Officer of 1. schwere (heavy) SS Panzer Abteilung 501, 1. SS Panzer Korps 'LSSAH', Normandy, following the single-handed destruction of twenty-seven tanks and assorted vehicles in and around the village of Villers-Bocage.
Instituted on the day of the German invasion of the Soviet Union, 22 June 1941, the Swords were awarded to existing Knight's Cross and Oakleaves holders who were worthy of further accreditation. Although the award itself was known as the 'Swords' (Schwerter), it was in fact a single two-piece construction consisting of the Oakleaves surmounting a pair of crossed swords, usually struck in .800 or .935 grade silver.
SS-Hauptsturmführer Michael Wittmann in action during the Normandy campaign of summer 1944, wearing the Knight's Cross with Oakleaves and Swords awarded after his exploits in and around the town of Villers-Bocage.
Like the single Oakleaf construction (qv.), to the reverse of the award was attached a ribbon loop, which was to be attached to the cross itself. Similarly, the award was presented in its own special black lined case with a length of replacement 45mm or 46mm silk ribbon.
