The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was a military decoration awarded by Nazi Germany during World War II. It was established in 1939 and recognized exceptional bravery and leadership in combat. The award had several classes, with the highest being the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords, and Diamonds. The decoration was often given to soldiers, officers, and commanders who demonstrated outstanding performance on the battlefield. Recipients included notable figures such as Michael Wittmann and Erwin Rommel, highlighting the significance of the award in recognizing military excellence within the German armed forces.