Highly decorated

Non Commissioned Officers

in the

United States Armed Forces

and

German Armed Forces

during the

Second World War

By

SGM Manfred S JERABEK

German Army

Student# 436

Faculty advisor

SGMParham

USASMA

Rll

Index:
Subtitle

Page

Chapter A

Introduction

3-4

ChapterB

United States Armed Forces; NCO- Congressional Medal of Honor

Recipients during the Second World War
4 - 12
Bestowal regulations
5
Total overview Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard and
posthumous
6
Total overview Officers, NCOs and Junior Enlisted Soldiers
7
8
NCO- Medal ofHonor overview - branches and posthumous
NCO- Medal ofHonor overview - ranks from E 4 until E 8
9
10
NCO- Medal ofHonor overview - years from 1941 until 1945
NCO- Medal ofHonor overview - war theatres Europe and Asia 11
NCO- Medal ofHonor overview - in Europe
12

1.
2.

3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Chapter C
1.
2.

3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

ChapterD

Annex

German Armed Forces; NCO- Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross

Recipients during the Second World War
Bestowal regulations
Total overview Army, Navy, Air Force and Waften- SS and
posthumous and KIA
Total overview Officers, NCOs and Junior Enlisted Soldiers
NCO- Knight's Cross - branches and posthumous
NCO- Knight's Cross overview - ranks from E 4 until E 9
NCO- Knight's Cross overview - years from 1939 until 1945
NCO- Knight's Cross overview - in Europe

13 - 21
13 - 14

15
16 - 17
18
19

20
21

Comparison of the highly decorated NCOs in the United States

Armed Forces and the German Armed Forces

22 - 23

References

24

A.

Introduction into the important role of medals and awards for soldiers and to the
important role of highly decorated Non Commissioned Officers in the Second
World War in two different Armies.

In the years ofwar, each country is honoring their heroes in their own way. In the
old days, heroes received titles like "Count", "Earl" or "Baron" or they got property as an
appreciation for their action in combat. However, it was also appropriate to honor them
with promotions to a higher rank or with medals. Honoring their heroes with medals is
the cheapest way for a country to pay back. Because the cost of medals and an
appropriate certificate are less expensive than titles or giving them some real-estate or a
higher rank. Soldiers are not hard to satisfy; a medal or a certificate of appreciation for
their work is the normal and common way to handle their desire. In the following pages, I
will analyze the numbers ofMedal of Honor recipients in the United States Armed
Forces and the numbers of Knight's Cross recipients in the German Armed Forces during
the Second World War. Both awards are the highest military recognition in each country
to honor their soldier's action on the battlefield.
From the 18 Million (18.000.000) German Soldiers participated in the Second World
War, only 7320 received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. That is only 0.04 percent
of the German Armed Forces.
From the 16 Million (16.000.000) American Soldiers participated in the Second World
War, only 440 received the Congressional Medal ofHonor. That is only 0.002 percent of
the United States Armed Forces.
Pointing to this numbers and percentages, we can speak about "elite" within the Armed
Services of each country. My focus in analyzing those numbers will be only on the
Noncommissioned Officers in each army. Field manuals ofeach army are telling us about
their important role within the forces," NCOs are the backbone in the army". We will see
at the end how true this statement is.
I will also try in the last part ofthis pamphlet to compare and contrast both armies and I
will try to find out, ifbravery is comparable and if numbers are comparable.
I will try in this paper to find answers to the questions of,
1. Are the NCOs the backbones oftheir armies and are their armies are
recognizing this, in awarding them an equal portion oftheir awards in combat?
2. Is bravery comparable from one army to another army?
3. Are tough and bloody war theatres or battles are an indication for increasing
awarding medals on both sides of the battle?
This paper will also reflect the important and significant role of highly decorated NCOs
in two different Armies during the Second World War for their NCO corps and the
public.
More than 90% of all statistics, tables and numbers in this paper are unknown to the
public. This means, there were only the individual names, but no statistics. During my
research, I found out, that those numbers are never before shown up at any publications.
No one before conducted a research on the NCO corps ofboth armies in relation to the
highest military award. Therefore, the overviews and numbers you will see and I will try
to analyze, are unknown in public. I counted everything my self and put all the tables
and statistics in place, as you will see on the following pages. I asked in preparation of
this paper the "Medal ofHonor Society" and the "Knight's Cross Association" in

Germany about my enquiry, but both organizations had no information about it and told
me never before someone did a research on this subject or showed some interests.
By talking about each single overview I will divide my thoughts into three parts and I
will follow an old military principle, the triad of- address - appraise - conclude.
The special role ofNCOs in the United States Armed Forces and German Armed Forces
who got a "Field Commission" and was promoted from an NCO rank to an Officer rank
is not a part ofthis pamphlet. An unknown number ofNCOs in both armies got this
commission because of their heroic action on the battlefield. Just two examples to
understand the meaning ofthis paper. Audie Murphy was the most decorated and well
known US- Hero in the Second World War. He started his career as an NCO and received
countless awards and a field commission to 2nd Lieutenant. Audie Murphy received the
Congressional Medal of Honor in the rank of an 2nd Lieutenant. Therefore, he is not
recognized in this booklet. Michael Wittmann, on the German side, was the most
successful tank commander in the whole Second World War. Wittmann and his tank crew
shot down more than 150 enemy tanks on the Russian Front and later on in the
Normandy. He started as an NCO in the Waffen- SS, he received countless awards and
decorations as an NCO and a field commission to 2nd Lieutenant as well. He received the
Knight's Cross ofthe Iron Cross as a 2nd Lieutenant in January 1944 on the Eastern
nd
Front, the Oak Leaves to the Knight's Cross as a 2 Lieutenant in January 1944 on the
st
Eastern Front and the Swords to the Knight's Cross as a 1 Lieutenant in June 1944 in the
Normandy. Therefore, he is not recognized in this booklet.

AHRENS Hinrich

HAWKJohnD.
Sergeant (E5)

Sergeant (E5)

Co E, 359th Infantry, 90th InfDiv

Medal of Honor on

Anti Tank Cannon Commander

Knight's Cross on

August 20th, 1944

January 1st, 1945

Falaise / France

Eastern Front

B.

United States Armed Forces; Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients in the timeframe
from 1941-45.
1. Bestowal regulations for the Congressional Medal ofHonor.
The Congressional Medal ofHonor was established in July 1862 by joint
resolution of Congress.
Quote: Awarded in the name of Congress to a person who, while a member of
the Armed Services, distinguished himself conspicuously by gallantry and
intrepidity at the risk of his life beyond the call of duty while engaged in an
action against any enemy of The United States. Unquote.

The Medal ofHonor was given to 3459 soldiers since 1862 and only 440
times during the Second World War. That means, from the 16 Million
(16.000.000) American Soldiers participated in the Second World War, only
440 received the Congressional Medal of Honor, this represents only 0.002
percent of the United States Armed Forces. Since it creation in 1862, the
Medal of Honor was and still is the symbol of courage and bravery on the
battlefield. Recognized by other soldiers, civilians and politicians and by the
former enemies as well. The German Knights Cross Association is honoring
and respecting their counterparts in the United States of America as hero's and
elite on the battlefields of the last World War. Once standing and fighting
against each other in the trenches of the Western Front or on the Beaches of
Normandy and Italy lost its main reason of being the bad enemy. Today the
veterans of the Second World War are respecting their former enemies for
fulfilling their duties for their country.

2. Total overview structured into branches, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and
Coast Guard and posthumous.

100
90
80
70
60
60
40
30
20
10

440 Medal of Honor,

total overview
branches and posthumous

II 88.4
II

Army

301

J 13.0

L!'1, I

0.2

Navy

Marine Corps

Coast Guard

57

81

Posthumous

250

(A) As you can see on this figure, the total number of conferments in the
US- Armed Forces during the Second World War has been 440 within 45
month of combat. During the Civil War 1861 until 1865 (51 month), 520
times the Medal of Honor were given to soldiers from the Union. The US- Air
Force is not recognized in this overview, because this branch was established
later on in 1947. The Air Corps was a part of the US- Army at this time.
(B) The Army was and still is the main figure during a conflict, therefore
the numbers of casualties and heroes in this branch are the highest in the
Armed Forces. With 68.4 %, and 301 Medals ofHonor, the Army is the
carrier of the battle. Exact 250 soldiers did not survive their heroic action on
the battlefield and received the Medal of Honor posthumous.
The Army is carrying the main load in battle; this rule will continue in present
and future wars as well.
(C) Must a hero be dead, to be recognized? The high number of more then
56.8% soldiers never received the Medal ofHonor during their life time, could
be an indicator of"a true hero has to be dead". However, this is not the real
meaning behind the bestowal regulations! Is it not?

3. Total overview structured into the three rank groups of Officers, Sergeants
and Junior Enlisted Soldiers.

%
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10

Medal of Honor
-440total
overview
IIWW

36.4

31.0

Total

Officers

Sergeants

jun. Enlisted

440

160

136

144

33.3%

32.6

(A) In this figure we can see the comparison of numbers of conferments

between Officers, Sergeants and the Junior Enlisted Men (from E1 until E3)
during the timeframe ofthe Second World War.
(B) Very interesting to notice is the almost equal percentage ofMedal of
Honor recipients in the three rank groups, if you take a closer look at the
33.3% line.
(C) The almost equal percentage ofMedal ofHonor Recipients in the
three rank groups could be seen as an unwritten rule, to keep the numbers of
recipients on the same level in the ranks. A closer look into other conflicts like
the Korean War or Vietnam War could be very interesting to compare and
contrast those numbers. Maybe there was a political or military reason to keep
the numbers between the rank groups at the same level. However, it is very
interesting to observe.

4. NCO- Medal of Honor Recipients structured into branches and posthumous.

%
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10

n
II 73.8
II

111.8
Anny

Posthumous

136 Medal of Honor

for NCOs,

the branches and

posthumous

Navy

3.0

c=:

Marine Corps

Air Corps

100

24

32

16

Posthumous

56

(A) This Figure shows the NCO- Medal of Honor Recipients divided into
the branches and posthumous. The Coast Guard had no recipient in the rank of
a Sergeant; therefore, this branch is not longer recognized in this paper. To get
a better impression and idea about the "War in the Air", I took the liberty and
brought in the overview the US- Air Corps as an own sup branch.
(B) As mentioned before the Army is carrying the main load of the battle,
the number in this table is recognizing the high effort of this branch.
The high number of posthumous conferments is, again, an indicator of the
brutal fight in the trenches and on the beaches of Europe and Asia. With
41.6%, the NCOs are 15% lower then the total number, seen before. The low
number of Medals in the Navy and Air Corps are the result of being assigned
to a branch, were officers are almost in charge of ships and airplanes.
(C) Comparing the numbers of casualties ofthe Medal ofHonor
recipients within the different branches, the impression may appears that the
Navy and the Marine Corps are having a different classification for awarding
the Medal of Honor. Only one NCO from the Navy received his award during
life time and only one third of the Marines. Again, the impression appears, the
Medal ofHonor is an award for "dead heroes".

5. NCO- Medal of Honor Recipients structured into ranks from E4 to E8 and

posthumous.

100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10

Posthumous

of Honor
-136 Medal
for NCOs,

the ranks and

posthumous

I~

46.6

21.4

4.4

3.0

E4

E5

E6

E7

E8

24

62

40

11

25

12

(A) The figure shows the number of soldiers in the rank from Corporal
until Master Sergeant who received the Congressional Medal ofHonor in the
Second World War. The rank of Sergeant Major was not established at this
time in the Armed Forces.
(B) The structure and the numbers in this particular overview are almost
identical with the rank structure in the Forces, therefore the numbers of
Medal of Honor recipients are in the same percentage. The numbers of
posthumous conferments are lower then the total average, with two
exceptions.
(C) Sergeant and Staff Sergeants are in the center of battle within the rank
group of Sergeants. Their efforts on the squad level and their abilities to take
charge on a higher level of responsibility, like platoon or company, are
mirroring this numbers. The fact, that all Sergeants First Class and 66% of
the Master Sergeants have not survived their action on the battlefield, is very
interesting to observe, but not comprehensible.

6. NCO- Medal of Honor Recipients structured into the years of war from 1941
until 1945 and posthumous.

136 Medal of Honor

for NCOs,

the years from 1941 - 1945

and posthumous

100

90
80
70
60
60
40
30
20
10

Posthumous

5.8

7.4

45.6

1941

1942

1943

1944

1945

10

62

53

23

23

2.2

(A) The figure shows the five years ofwar, or in other words the exactly
45 month of war. As we know, the war started in December 1941 with the
Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and ended in August 1945 in Japan.
Therefore the numbers in 1941 and 1945 are mirroring only the actually
month of war.
(B) The structure and the numbers in this overview are almost identical
with the timeline and with the battle and war intensity in the different war
theaters in the Pacific and in Europe. Therefore, the numbers of Medal of
Honor recipients are increasing and decreasing within the battle action. The
numbers of posthumous conferments are lower then the total average, with
one exception.
(C) After the invasion in Italy in 1943 and in Normandy (France) in 1944,
the war in Europe intensified until the unconditional surrender of Germany in
Mai 1945. The percentages of posthumous conferments are lower then 50%,
with one exception. The attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941 took the
lives from all NCO recipients. All three of them are from the Navy. The Navy
started at Pearl Harbor their attitude in honoring heroes "killed in action".

10

7. NCO- Medal ofHonor Recipients structured into war theaters like Europe and
Pacific, and posthumous.

%
100
90
80

70
60
50
40
30
20

136 Medal of Honor

for NCOs,

in the two Main War Theaters

and posthumous

60.2

10

Europe

Posthumous

Pacific

82

54

22

34

(A) This figure gives you an overview about the number ofMedal of
Honor Recipients divided into the two main war theaters - Europe and Asia in
the years 1941 until 1945. It shows also the given awards posthumous.
(B) As we can see, the numbers are pointing at Europe as the most
aggressive battlefield theater. The war of course, started for the US- Armed
Forces in the Pacific and ended in the Pacific as well. The numbers of
recipients in the Pacific are lower, but the percentage of killed recipients is
higher than 60%, this would indicate higher battle intensity.
(C) The war in the Pacific Area ended with the unconditional surrender of
Japan in August 1945 after the dropping of two atomic bombs on Hiroshima
and Nagasaki. The reason for this decision was, the high amount of
accumulate casualties by fighting island for island against the Japanese troops
for a long time.

11

8. NCO- Medal ofHonor Recipients in the war theater Europe, structured into
North Africa, Italy, France and Germany and posthumous.

82 Medal o'f Honor

'for NCOs,

in the War Theater Europe

'from 1942 - 1945

..

Germany

25

Italy

14

42
1

0/0

82 Medal of Honor

for NCOs,

in the War Theater Europe

from 1942 - 1946 and

posthumous

100
90
80

70
60
60
40

30
20

10.3

0.7

10

North Africa

Posthumous

J
Italy

14

30.

France

42
10

18.3

Germany

26

(A) Turning the focus on the war in Europe, this figure is showing an
overview about the different theaters, like North Africa, Italy, France and
Germany. It reflects the numbers of posthumous conferments.
(B) The total numbers are reflecting the identical timeline with the battle
and war intensity during the war in Europe. Therefore, the numbers ofMedal
ofHonor Recipients are increasing and decreasing within the battle action and
the numbers of month in the actual theatre. The numbers of posthumous
conferments are lower then the total average, with one exception.
(C) After the invasion in Italy in 1943 and in Normandy in 1944, the war
in Europe intensified until the unconditional surrender of Germany in Mai
1945.

12

C.

German Armed Forces; Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross Recipients in the timeframe
1939-1945.
1. Bestowal regulations for the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross and the higher
graduates.
Established on September 1st, 1939:
Quote: The Knight's Cross ofthe Iron Cross can be awarded to soldiers of
each rank for exceptional acts of gallantry which decisively affect combat
actions. The conditions for this are: Individual decision to act on own
initiative, outstanding personal bravery and decisive success in the context of
the overall conduct ofthe action. Unquote.

The Knight's Cross was given to 7320 soldiers from 1939 until 1945. During
the air battle against Great Britain in 1940 and 1941 and the incredible success
of German fighter pilots, the German leadership decided to add additional
steps to the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. Therefore, the next higher level
ofthis award was created and was called the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross
with Oak Leaves. It was presented to 883 German Soldiers. The next higher
level was called the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and
Swords, given only 159 times to German Soldiers and the next level created
was called the Knight's Cross ofthe Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords
and Diamonds, this award was given only 27 times to German soldiers. The
highest level, given only one time to a German fighter pilot, COL Hans
Ulrich Rudel, was called the Knight's Cross ofthe Iron Cross with Golden
Oak Leaves and Swords and Diamonds. Each higher level would mean,
awarding the Knight's Cross for a second, third, forth or fifth time to the same
soldiers.
7320
883
159
27
1

Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross,

established on September 1st, 1939.
Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves,
established on June 3ed, 1940.
Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords,
established on July 15th, 1941 .
Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords and
Diamonds,
established on July 15th, 1941.
Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Golden Oak Leaves and
Swords and Diamonds,
established on December 29th, 1944.

13

The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross

and his higher steps
Total
Knight's

7320

omcer

Sergeant

Jun. Enlisted

5615

1450

255

Cross
Oak Leaves

Swords

Diamonds

Golden Oak

883

846

37

152

151

27

27

Leaves

The total number of conferments is higher as it appears in this table and in

the history books. The reason for this is easy to describe, Germany lost the war,
and many things happened in the last weeks of the war in Europe. First, we need
to understand the two different terms in the regulations. The first is called
"conferment - de facto" the second is called "conferment - de jure".
A conferment - de jure is a conferment with obeying all regulations and
meeting all commitments regarding the process and the awarding procedures. A
conferment - de jure is an official recognized and acknowledged conferment.
A conferment - de facto is a conferment were an soldier received an
award (Knight's Cross) in public with witnesses and so on, but the process and
the awarding procedures are not official and the awarding Officer had no
official permission to present the award.
Let me describe the situation with one example, one example of many
happened at the end ofthe Second World War. The Army Private 1st Class,
Josef Allenberger, was the second best German sniper during the Second World
War, with more than 250 confirmed "kills" on the Eastern Front in the time
period from 1943 until 1945. Private Allenberger received the Knight's Cross of
the Iron Cross from Field Marshal Ferdinand Schoemer on April 20th, 1945.
There are enough witnesses for this ceremony and a temporary award certificate
as well. However, Josef Allenberger was never recognized in the official books
about the Knight's Cross Recipients. He received the Knight's Cross "de facto"
from a Field Marshal, but "de jure", the Field Marshal was not authorized to
present this kind of award and to sign a temporary award certificate. There are
still a lot of discussions going on about this matter, but that kind of "stories"
happened at the end of the war, a few times.

14

2. Total overview, structured into branches, Army, Navy, Air Force, Waffen-SS
and posthumous and KIA

%
100
90
80

7320 Knight's Cross,

total overview
branches and
posthumousl KIA

70
60
50
40
30

65.4

20
10

24.0

4.4

Army

Air Force

Navy

4779

1786

317

WaITen - SS

438

Posthumous/ KIA

2299

(A) As you can see on this figure, the total number of conferments in the
German Armed Forces during the Second World War has been 7320 within
the 69 month of war. Exact 2299 soldiers did not survive their heroic action
on the battlefield and received the Knight's Cross posthumous or died later on
in combat during the war or in Prisoner of War camps after the war. A more
detailed number is not possible to research, because oftoo many unknown
tragedies during war and captivity.
(B) With 65.4 %, and 4784 Knight's Crosses, the Army is the carrier of
the battle. The Army was and still is the main figure during a conflict,
therefore the numbers of casualties and heroes in this branch are the highest in
the Armed Forces. The Army is carrying the main load in battle; this rule will
continue in present and future wars as well.
(C) The Waffen- SS as the youngest branch within the Armed Forces was
an only "Army" related organization with Infantry, Armor and Mechanized
units. With 40 volunteer Divisions, this branch was brought into battle as an
"Elite- Unit" and carried out always the difficult tasks during the war. Their
casualties and therefore their Knight's Cross recipients were in very high
numbers as well. During the Second World War, roundabout 18 Million
German Soldiers served in the Armed Forces. The 7320 Knight's Cross
Recipients are only 0.04% ofthe total Armed Forces.

15

3.
Total overview, structured into the three rank groups of Officers, Sergeants
and Junior Enlisted Soldiers.
0/0

7320 Knlghts

"100

t~tal

80
80
70

Cr~ss

~v_rvl_""

II VVVV

eo

50

.... 0

70.7

33.30/0

30
20
"10

Tc:::tal

7320

[--... ;.... -1

3.8

Serg_ant_

c:::tfflcers

&8'1&

..........c:r Enl t e d

'14&0

2&&

(A) In this figure we can see the comparison of numbers of conferments

between Officers, Sergeants and the Junior Enlisted Men (from E1 until E3)
during the timeframe of the Second World War.
(B) Very interesting to notice is the almost four times higher number of
Officer-Awardees in comparison with the Sergeants. The very low number of
Knight's Cross Recipients in the junior enlisted ranks is with less then 4%
insignificant in comparison with the 76.7% on the Officers account.
(C) This overview could be lead to the conclusion; the Knight's Cross of
the Iron Cross is an Officer related award and was only given in exceptional
cases to lower ranks. The second conclusion could be, in an exact reading of
the bestowal regulations, all the officers had shown a very outstanding
personal bravery, based on an own resolution. How is it possible for a Staff
Officer in the rank of Colonel or for a General to do so?
Therefore, I think it is necessary to have a closer look at the Officer
percentage, to understand the high number of conferments in this rank group. I
added a few other overviews to this subgroup to high light those numbers.

0/0

'100

66'16 Knight's Cross

90
80

"or O'fficers total overvie""

70

60
60
40

30
20
'10

26.3

6.9

Total

Generals

COL.LTC.MAJ

CPT

LTe

66'16

602

'1667

'1623

'1923

16

The bestowal regulations are clear and not to miss interpretate and they
have had not changed during the years of war. However, military and political
leaders in the German Armed Forces, with Adolf Hitler on the top, needed to
make modifications. The modifications were necessary to keep the Generals
and the Generalstaffofficers in a good mood and high motivated. The Knight's
Cross ofthe Iron Cross and specially his higher steps, has been awarded also
for "tactical decision" on the battlefield. That is the reason for such a high
percentage of conferments in the General and Generalstaffofficer rank group.
From a total of27 Knights Crosses with Diamonds, 13 were given to
Generals and four to Colonels. Field Marshal Erwin Rommel and the fighter
ace Adolf Galland were one of those.

T h e K n l g h t " s Crc>ss c>"f'the Irc>n Crc>ss

yvlth C>ak L e a v e s ancl Syvc>rcls ancl Dlarnc>ncls

Tc>tal cc>n"f'errnents

27

Generals

"13

Cc>Ic>nels

L i e u t e n a n t Cc>Ic>nels

"I

MaJc>rs

Captains

Lieutenants

C>ther r a n k s

From a total of 159 Knight's Crosses with Swords, 75 were given to

Generals and 17 to Colonels. The famous tank ace Michael Wittmann was one
of the 3 Lieutenants who received the Swords, but unfortunately, he was killed
in action one month later. Sergeant First Class and fighter ace Leopold
Steinbatz, was the only NCO who received the Swords to the Knight's Cross,
but also posthumous.

The Knight's Cross of' the Iron Cross

vvlth Oak Leaves and Svvords
Total oonf'errnents

"169

Generals

76

Colonels

"17

Lieutenant Colonels

"19

Majors

24

Captains

"17

Lieutenants

Other ranks

"I (SFC Steinbatz)

17

4. NCO- Knight's Cross Recipient overview, structured into branches, Army, Air Force,
Navy, Waffen- SS and posthumous.

%
100
90

1450 Knight's Cross

for NCOs,

the branches and

posthumous

80
70
60
60
40

30
20

66.4

10

Posthumous

6.2
0.9

Army

Air Force

Navy

Waffen- SS

963

399

13

75

99

56

(A) This Figure shows the NCO - Knight's Cross Recipients divided into
the branches and posthumous. As mentioned many times before, the Army is
carrying the main load of the battle, the number in this table recognizing the
high effort ofthis branch.
(B) The high number of posthumous conferments is, again, an indicator of
the brutal fight in Europe. With 11% / 14%, or 99 / 56 posthumous
conferments are the Army and the Air Force in the Armed Services only on
the average. A very higher number of recipients died later on in the war or in
captivity.
(C) The low number of Knight' s Crosses in the Navy are the result of
being assigned to a branch, were Officers are almost in charge of ships or
submarines. On the other hand, the German Air Force had Sergeants as fighter
pilots in their units. Fully responsible for an air plane and his crew, and very
successful, as the example SFC Leopold Steinbatz shows. He was the only
NCO who received, after his 99th air victory on the Russian Front, the
Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords.

18

5. NCO- Knight's Cross Recipient overview, structured into ranks from E4 to E9

and posthumous.

%
100

90
80
70
60
60
40
30
20
10

Posthumous

1450 Knight's Cross

for NCOs,
the ranks and posthumous

22.8

28.7

E 8/9

E4I5

E6

E7

331

387

674

58

39

37

81

(A) The figure shows the number of soldiers in the rank from Corporal
until Sergeant Major who received the Knight's Cross during the Second
World War and the posthumous numbers.
(B) The structure and the numbers in this particular overview are almost
identical with the rank structure in the Forces, therefore the numbers of
Knight's Cross Recipients are in the same percentage. Within the Army, the
platoon leader position was given to the rank of Sergeant First Class and his
deputy's rank was a Staff Sergeant. The same constellation took place in the
Waffen- SS. It was common and normal in the Air Force to have Sergeants
as fighter pilots. Therefore, a very high percentage of Knight's Cross
Recipients from the Air Force are in the rank of Sergeant First Class or
below. The percentage of posthumous conferments is in the 10% - 12% range
in all ranks.
(C) Staff Sergeants and Sergeants First Class are in the center of battle
within the rank group of Sergeants. Their efforts on the platoon level and their
abilities to take charge on a higher level of responsibility, like company, are
mirroring this numbers. The posthumous awarding of the Knight's Cross is in
a normal range of casualties during the war.

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6. NCO- Knight's Cross Recipients overview, structured into the years of war
from 1939 until 1945 and posthumous.

1450 Knight's Cross

for NCOs,

the years from 1939 - 1945

and posthumous

100
90

80
70
60
60
40
30
20

41.2
2.2

10

Posthumous

1939

1940

1941

1942

1943

1944

1946

o
o

31

88

170

308

596

257

19

35

89

18

(A) The figure shows the seven years of war, or in other words the exactly
69 month of war. As we know, the war started in September 1939 with the
German attack on Poland and ended in May 1945 in Berlin. Therefore the
numbers in 1939 and 1945 are mirroring only the actually month of war.
(B) The structure and the numbers in this overview are almost identical
with the timeline and with the battle and war intensity in the different war
theaters in Europe. Therefore, the numbers ofKnight' s Cross Recipients are
increasing and decreasing within the battle action. The numbers of
posthumous conferments are lower then the total average, with one exception.
(C) After the great losses in Stalingrad in February 1943 and the surrender
ofthe German Africa Corps in May 1943 in Tunisia, the war changed
dramatically. The Eastern front collapsed, the Southern Front broke after Italy
surrendered to the Allied Forces in 1943 and the Western front was unable to
hold, after the landing ofthe Allied Forces in June 1944. The number of
Knight's Cross conferments and heroic actions increased especially on the
Eastern Front by defending Germany against a very brutal fighting Russian
Enemy.

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7. NCO- Knight's Cross Recipients overview, structured into war theaters like
Eastern Front, North Africa, Italy, Western Front and Home Front.
"1460 Knight's Cross

t'or NCOs,

in the VVar Theater Europe

t'rorn "1939 - "1946

Eastern Front

Horne Front

918

211

Italy

96
221

....

1460 Knight's Cross

'for NCOs,

in the War Theater Europe

'from 1939 - 1946

and posthumous

Ok

100
90
80
70
60
60
40
30
20

83.3

10

Posthumous

- 5

0.3
Western

Eastern

North

Front

Front

Afrioa

Italy

Horne
Front

211

917

96

221

18

128

(A) Turning the focus to the different theaters in Europe, like the Eastern
Front, North Africa, Italy, Western Front and the Home Front - Germany. This
overview reflects the whole timeframe of the Second World War from
September 1939 until May 1945 and the numbers of posthumous conferments.
(B) The total numbers are reflecting the identical timeline with the battle
and war intensity during the war in Europe. Therefore, the numbers of
Knight' s Cross Recipients are increasing and decreasing within the battle
action and the numbers of month in the actual theatre. The numbers of
posthumous conferments are lower then the total average.
(C) After the Allied invasion in Italy in 1943 and in Normandy in 1944,
the war in Europe intensified on the Southern and Western Front, until the
unconditional surrender of Germany in Mai 1945.

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---------------------------------------------------------- -------

D.

Comparison of the highly decorated NCOs in the United States Armed Forces and
the German Armed Forces.

On the previous pages, I tried to inform about the Congressional Medal ofHonor
Recipients in the United States Armed Forces in the timeframe from 1941 until 1945 and the
Knight's Cross Recipients in the German Armed Forces in the timeframe from 1939 until 1945.
The numbers of conferments are reflecting the important and significant role of highly decorated
NCOs in two different Armies during the Second World War for their NCO corps and the public.
The US Armed Forces honored their soldiers equal to each rank group for personnel bravery on
the battlefield, for their sacrifices and their ability to take over a higher command and for taking
"charge" .
Quote:
Awarded in the name of Congress to a person who, while a member ofthe Armed Services,
distinguished himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life beyond the
call of duty while engaged in an action against any enemy of The United States.
Unquote.
The German Armed Forces on the other hand honored their soldiers more or less for a individual
decision to act on own initiative, outstanding personal bravery and decisive success in the
context ofthe overall conduct of the action. The awarding to soldiers of lower ranks for
exceptional acts of gallantry which decisively affect combat actions was the exception. The
numbers of conferments in the rank groups of Sergeants and Junior Enlisted Soldiers are telling
us the truth.
Quote:
The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross can be awarded to soldiers of each rank for exceptional acts
of gallantry which decisively affect combat actions. The conditions for this are: Individual
decision to act on own initiative, outstanding personal bravery and decisive success in the
context of the overall conduct of the action.
Unquote.
Now I will try to find answers to the questions I have asked before, never the less, the
reader is still free to make his own assumptions to the previous pages und to the following
statements.
1. Are the NCOs the backbones of their armies and are their armies are recognizing this
in awarding them an equal portion of their awards in combat?
Yes, they are! They are the masters on the battlefield and the masters in training our
young enlisted soldiers and mentoring our Officers as well. The United States Armed Forces
found a way to share an equal portion of their highest military award with each ofthe three rank
groups. It is nice to observe this, and hopefully it was not randomly.
The German Armed Forces are more or less "Officer- heavy", when awards are been given to
soldiers. The explained numbers in the statistics are telling us a true story.

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2. Is bravery comparable from one army to another army?

No, it is not! Two different Armies and two different awards given to theirs soldiers in
war, as the highest military recognition. Also two different societies with two different kinds of
"Ways of Life". A comparison is not possible, because of the different bestowal regulations and
the different outcomes during the war. The US- Armed Forces are honoring soldiers for the
ultimate sacrifice given on the battlefield. 56.8% conferments to soldiers posthumous is an good
indicator for it.
3. Are tough and bloody battles an indication for increasing awarding medals on both
sides ofthe battle?
Yes they are! The Battle ofthe Bulge, December 1944 until February 1945 is a good
example for heroic battle actions given by Noncommissioned Officers on both sides. In this
particular timeframe, an almost identical number ofNCOs received the highest military award of
each country. On the American side, 17 Sergeants received the Congressional Medal ofHonor
and 14 German Sergeants received the Knight's Cross ofthe Iron Cross for their outstanding
personal bravery in the face of the enemy. A tough fight, like the battle in the Belgium Ardennes
in the winter 1944/ 1945 is an indicator for bravery on both sides.
Non Commissioned Officers played always a significant role in their Armed Forces, at
any time, and they will in the future as well. NCOs are the link between the Officers and the
Enlisted Men. NCOs are trained and educated to lead troops on every level and to take charge
and responsibility in any given situation. Therefore, it is necessary to give them an appropriate
place and recognition in our history!
I will dedicate this pamphlet to all Non Commissioned Officers in the German Armed Forces
and the United States Armed Forces who fought and died during the Second World War in their
true belief to do the right thing for their country.

23

References:
- www.medalofhonor.com
- www.ritterkreuztraeger.de
- Fellgiebel, Walther-Peer. Die Traeger des Ritterkreuzes des Eisemen Kreuzes 1939
1945. Friedberg! Germany: Podzun- Pallas- Verlag, 1993.
- Lang, George. Medal of Honor recipients. 1863 -1994. New York: Facts on File, c 1995.
- United States, Congress, Senate, Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Medal of Honor
recipients. 1863-1978. Washington: U.S. Govt. Print. Off, 1979.

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