Knight's Cross of The Iron Cross - Nomination and Approval Procedure

Nomination and Approval Procedure

Every presentation of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, or one of its higher grades, was preceded by one or multiple deeds, but also by a nomination (Verleihungsvorschlag). Nominations for the Knight's Cross could be made at company level or higher. Commanders could not nominate themselves. In this instance the division adjutant made the recommendation. In the Luftwaffe the lowest level was the Geschwader and in the Kriegsmarine the respective flotilla was authorized to make the nomination. It was also possible to nominate subordinated foreign units. The nomination by the troop had to be submitted in writing and in double copy. The format and the content were predefined. Every nomination contained the personal data, the rank and unit at the time of the bravery-act, since when the soldier held this position, the employment status (for example "of the Reserves"), the occupation (if Reserves), the peacetime unit (if professional soldier), the military service entry date, previous military decorations awarded and date of presentation, and the profession of the father. For enlisted soldier's and noncommissioned officers the résumé had to be submitted as well.

The nomination had to be forwarded in writing by a currier up the official command chain. Every intermittent administrative office or commander between the nominating unit and the commander-in-chief of the respective Wehrmacht branch (commander-in-chief of the Heer, commander-in-chief of the Luftwaffe and commander-in-chief of the Kriegsmarine with their respective staff offices) had to give their approval along with a short comment. In exceptional cases, such as the nominated individual had sustained severe injuries or that the command chain had been interrupted, a nomination could be submitted via teleprinter communication.