List of Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross recipients (J)

The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross (German: Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) and its variants were the highest awards in the military of the Third Reich 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.[1] A total of 7,323 awards were made between its first presentation on 30 September 1939 and its last bestowal on 17 June 1945.[Note 1] This number is based on the analysis and acceptance of the order commission of the Association of Knight's Cross Recipients (AKCR). Presentations were made to members of the three military branches of the Wehrmacht—the Heer (Army), Kriegsmarine (Navy) and Luftwaffe (Air force)—as well as the Waffen-SS, the Reichsarbeitsdienst (RAD) and the Volkssturm. There were also 43 recipients in the military forces of allies of the Third Reich.[3]

These 7,323 recipients are listed in the 1986 edition of Walther-Peer Fellgiebel's book, Die Träger des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939–1945 – Die Inhaber der höchsten Auszeichnung des Zweiten Weltkrieges aller WehrmachtsteileThe Bearers of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross 1939–1945 — The Owners of the Highest Award of the Second World War. In 1996 a second edition of this book was published with an addendum delisting 11 of these original 7,323 recipients. Author and historian Veit Scherzer has cast doubt on a further 192 of these listings. The majority of the disputed recipients had received the award in 1945, when the deteriorating situation of the Third Reich during the final days of World War II left a number of nominations incomplete and pending in various stages of the approval process.[4] Listed here are the 142 Knight's Cross recipients whose last names start with "J",[5] ordered alphabetically. Fellgiebel himself delisted one and Scherzer has challenged the validity of four more of these listings.[6] The rank listed is the recipient's rank at the time the Knight's Cross was awarded.

Contents

Background

The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross and its higher grades were based on four separate enactments. The first enactment Reichsgesetzblatt I S. 1573 of 1 September 1939 instituted the Iron Cross (Eisernes Kreuz) and the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross.[7] As the war progressed, some of the recipients distinguished themselves further and a higher grade, the Oak Leaves to Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, was instituted. The Oak Leaves, as they were commonly referred to, were based on the enactment Reichsgesetzblatt I S. 849 of 3 June 1940.[8] In 1941, two higher grades of the Knight's Cross were instituted. The enactment Reichsgesetzblatt I S. 613 of 28 September 1941 introduced the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub und Schwertern) and the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub, Schwertern und Brillanten).[9] At the end of 1944 the final grade, the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Golden Oak Leaves, Swords, and Diamonds (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit goldenem Eichenlaub, Schwertern und Brillanten), based on the enactment Reichsgesetzblatt 1945 I S. 11 of 29 December 1944, became the final variant of the Knight's Cross authorized.[10]

Recipients

The Oberkommando der Wehrmacht (Supreme Command of the Armed Forces) kept separate Knight's Cross lists for the Heer (Army), Kriegsmarine (Navy), Luftwaffe (Air force) and Waffen-SS. Within each of these lists a unique sequential number was assigned to each recipient. The same numbering paradigm was applied to the higher grades of the Knight's Cross, one list per grade.[11] Of the 142 awards made to servicemen whose last name starts with "J", 14 were later awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and two the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords; 15 presentations were made posthumously. Heer members received 85 of the medals, nine went to the Kriegsmarine, 42 to the Luftwaffe, and six to the Waffen-SS.[5] The sequential numbers greater than 843 for the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves are unofficial and were assigned by the Association of Knight's Cross Recipients (AKCR) and are therefore denoted in parentheses.[12]

      This along with the * (asterisk), indicates that the Knight's Cross was awarded posthumously.
      This indicates that author Walther-Peer Fellgiebel has expressed doubt regarding the veracity and formal correctness of the listing.
      This indicates that historian Veit Scherzer has expressed doubt regarding the veracity and formal correctness of the listing.

Name Service Rank Role and unit[Note 2] Date of award Notes Image
Jabs, Hans-JoachimHans-Joachim Jabs Luftwaffe 13-LOberleutnant[13] Pilot and Staffel officer in the 2./Zerstörergeschwader 76[14][Note 3] 01940-10-01 1 October 1940[13] Awarded 430th Oak Leaves 24 March 1944[13]
Jacob, EberhardEberhard Jacob Luftwaffe 14-LHauptmann[13] Gruppenkommandeur of the III./Sturzkampfgeschwader 3[13][14] 01944-02-29 29 February 1944[13]
Jacob, Georg-RupertGeorg-Rupert Jacob[Note 4] Luftwaffe 13-LOberleutnant[15] Chief of the 1./Fallschirmjäger-Regiment 7[14][15] 01944-09-13 13 September 1944[15]
Jacob, Karl-PeterKarl-Peter Jacob Heer 13-HOberleutnant[13] Chief of the 2./Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 143[13][14] 01941-06-13 13 June 1941[13]
Jacob, PaulPaul Jacob Heer 13-HOberleutnant[Note 5] Deputy leader of the I./Jäger-Regiment 204[13][14] 01943-03-10 10 March 1943[13]
Jacobeit, FritzFritz Jacobeit Heer 03-HGefreiter[13] Group leader in the 6./Füsilier-Regiment 22[13][14] 01945-03-11 11 March 1945[13]
Jacobi von Wangelin, Hans-JoachimHans-Joachim Jacobi von Wangelin Luftwaffe 13-LOberleutnant[13] Staffelführer of the 1./Kampfgeschwader 77[14][Note 6] 01942-09-19 19 September 1942[13]
Jacobs, MartinMartin Jacobs Heer 04-HObergefreiter[13] Group leader in the 2./Grenadier-Regiment 431[13][14] 01943-12-26 26 December 1943[13]
Jacoby, FritzFritz Jacoby Heer 13-HOberleutnant of the Reserves[13] Chief of the 7./Panzergrenadier-Regiment 11[13][14] 01943-04-03 3 April 1943*[13] Killed in action 19 March 1943[13]
Jaeckel, EgbertEgbert Jaeckel Luftwaffe 12-LLeutnant[13] Pilot in the 3./Sturzkampfgeschwader 2 "Immelmann"[13][14] 01942-05-14 14 May 1942[13]
Jaeckel, KarlKarl Jäckel[Note 7] Kriegsmarine 10-MObersteuermann Coxswain on U-907[14] 01945-05-09 9 May 1945
Jaedtke, AlfredAlfred Jaedtke Heer 14-HHauptmann[13] Commander of the I./Panzergrenadier-Regiment 14[13][14] 01944-09-21 21 September 1944[13]
Jaeger, ErichErich Jäger Luftwaffe 13-LOberleutnant[13] Platoon leader in the I./Flak-Regiment 23 (motorized)[14][Note 8] 01941-07-05 5 July 1941[13]
Jaeger, FritzFritz Jäger[Note 9] Heer 15-HMajor Commander of the II./Infanterie-Regiment 8[14] 01940-05-26 26 May 1940
Jaeger, GerhardGerhard Jaeger Heer 09-HFeldwebel[18] Platoon leader in the 7./Infanterie-Regiment 418[14][18] 01942-02-23 23 February 1942[18]
Jaeger, Karl-HeinzKarl-Heinz Jaeger Heer 12-HLeutnant of the Reserves[18] Leader of the 1./Grenadier-Regiment 167[14][18] 01943-08-04 4 August 1943[18] Awarded 786th Oak Leaves 16 March 1945[18]
Jaeger, Dr. med. RolfDr. med. Rolf Jäger Luftwaffe 13-LOberarzt[18] Troop doctor in the assault group "Beton" of the Fallschirmjäger-Sturm-Abteilung "Koch" (Battle of Fort Eben-Emael)[14][18] 01940-05-13 13 May 1940[Note 10]
Jaehde, WillyWilly Jähde Heer 15-HMajor[18] Commander of schwere Panzer-Abteilung 502[14][18] 01944-03-16 16 March 1944[18]
Jaehnert, ErhardErhard Jähnert Luftwaffe 12-LLeutnant[18] Pilot in the III./Sturzkampfgeschwader 3[14][18] 01943-05-18 18 May 1943[18]
Jaekel, AdolfAdolf Jäkel Luftwaffe 17-LOberst[18] Geschwaderkommodore of Transportgeschwader 1[18][19] 01944-08-19 19 August 1944[18]
Jaenecke, ErwinErwin Jaenecke Heer 19-HGeneralleutnant[18] Commander of the 389. Infanterie-Division[18][19] 01942-10-09 9 October 1942[18]
Jaeschke, Hans-JoachimHans-Joachim Jäschke Luftwaffe 13-LOberleutnant[18] Staffelführer of the 4./Schlachtgeschwader 1[19][Note 11] 01944-03-28 28 March 1944[18]
Jagusch, BrunoBruno Jagusch Heer 06-HUnteroffizier[18] Panzer commander in the Panzer-Jäger-Kompanie 1349[18][19] 01945-03-05 5 March 1945[18]
Jahn, GunterGunter Jahn Kriegsmarine 14-MKapitänleutnant[18] Commander of U-596[18][19] 01943-04-30 30 April 1943[18]
Jahncke, PaulPaul Jahncke[Note 12] Heer 10-HOberfeldwebel[15] Platoon leader in the 1./Panzer-Jäger-Abteilung 53[15][19] 01945-02-18 18 February 1945[15]
Jahnke, ArthurArthur Jahnke Heer 12-HLeutnant of the Reserves[18] Leader of the 5./Grenadier-Regiment 572[18][19] 01944-04-20 20 April 1944[18]
Jahr, ArnoArno Jahr Heer 19-HGeneralleutnant[15] Commander of the 387. Infanterie-Division[15][19] 01942-12-22 22 December 1942[15]
Jais, MaximilianMaximilian Jais Heer 17-HOberst[15] Commander of Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 141[15][19] 01941-09-17 17 September 1941[15]
Jakob, FriedrichFriedrich Jakob Heer 14-HHauptmann[15] Leader of the II./Infanterie-Regiment 105[15][19] 01942-03-04 4 March 1942[15] Awarded 681st Oak Leaves 18 December 1944[15]
Jakob, GeorgGeorg Jakob Luftwaffe 13-LOberleutnant[15] Staffelkapitän of the 2./Sturzkampfgeschwader 77[15][19] 01942-04-27 27 April 1942[15] Awarded 615th Oak Leaves 30 September 1944[15]
Jakob, WillyWilly Jakob Heer 06-HUnteroffizier[15] Platoon leader in the 7./Infanterie-Regiment 391[15][19] 01942-03-04 4 March 1942*[15] Killed in action 27 January 1942[15]
Jakwert, JosefJosef Jakwert Heer 10-HOberfeldwebel[15] Platoon leader in the Divisions-Panzer-Jäger-Kompanie 361[20][Note 13] 01944-05-14 14 May 1944[15] Awarded 752nd Oak Leaves 24 February 1945[15]
Jamrowski, SiegfriedSiegfried Jamrowski Luftwaffe 13-LOberleutnant[15] Chief of the 6./Fallschirmjäger-Regiment 3[15][19] 01944-06-09 9 June 1944[15]
Jander, ArthurArthur Jander Heer 15-HMajor[15] Leader of a Kampfgruppe in the 62. Infanterie-Division[15][19] 01943-06-15 15 June 1943[15]
Janke, HansHans Janke Heer 16-HOberstleutnant[15] Commander of Grenadier-Regiment 159[15] 01944-02-23 23 February 1944[15]
Janke, KarlKarl Janke Luftwaffe 14-LHauptmann[15] Staffelkapitän of the 7./Sturzkampfgeschwader 2 "Immelmann"[15][19] 01942-11-16 16 November 1942[15]
Jannes, EwaldEwald Jannes Heer 04-HObergefreiter[21] In the 9./Panzergrenadier-Regiment 28[19][21] 01945-04-30 30 April 1945[21]
Jansa, ErnstErnst Jansa Luftwaffe 16-LOberstleutnant[21] Commander of Flak(Sturm)Regiment 12 (motorized)[19][21] 01944-10-31 31 October 1944[21] Awarded 726th Oak Leaves 1 February 1945[21]
Jansen, WilliWilli Jansen Heer 13-HOberleutnant[Note 14] Aide-de-camp in Panzergrenadier-Regiment 128[19][21] 01944-05-15 15 May 1944[21]
Jansing, TheodorTheodor Jansing Heer 06-HUnteroffizier[21] Company troop leader of the 3./Grenadier-Regiment 480[19][21] 01944-01-26 26 January 1944[21]
Jansky, Paul-VincenzPaul-Vincenz Jansky Heer 13-HOberleutnant of the Reserves[21] Chief of the 7./Jäger-Regiment 49[19][21] 01944-08-12 12 August 1944[21]
Janssen, EwaldEwald Janssen Luftwaffe 15-LMajor[21] Geschwaderkommodore of Schlachtgeschwader 4[19][21] 01944-10-31 31 October 1944[21]
Janz, SiegfriedSiegfried Janz Luftwaffe 04-LObergefreiter Group leader of the 1./Jäger-Regiment 42 (L)[21][22] 01944-11-05 5 November 1944[21]
Jaquet, FritzFritz Jaquet[Note 15] Heer 12-HLeutnant Adjutant of the I./Grenadier-Regiment 62[22] 01945-05-09 9 May 1945
Jarosch, AlfredAlfred Jarosch Heer 12-HLeutnant[21] Leader of the 8./Jäger-Regiment 38[21][22] 01942-09-24 24 September 1942[21]
Jaschinski, ErichErich Jaschinski Luftwaffe 10-LOberfeldwebel[21] Pilot in the I./Transportgeschwader 3[21][22] 01945-02-09 9 February 1945[21]
Jaschke, ErichErich Jaschke Heer 17-HOberst[21] Commander of Infanterie-Regiment 90 (motorized)[21][22] 01941-12-04 4 December 1941[21] Awarded 295th Oak Leaves 7 September 1943[21]
Jaschke, HerbertHerbert Jaschke Heer 14-HHauptmann[24] Commander of Sturmgeschütz-Brigade 249[22][24] 01945-04-23 23 April 1945[24]
Jasiek, FranzFranz Jasiek Heer 06-HUnteroffizier[24] Platoon leader in the 5./Panzergrenadier-Regiment 5[22][24] 01943-04-22 22 April 1943[24]
Jass, GeorgGeorg Jass Heer 15-HMajor[24] Commander of Divisions-Füsilier-Bataillon 30[22][24] 01944-06-09 9 June 1944[24]
Jauer, GeorgGeorg Jauer Heer 19-HGeneralleutnant[24] Commander of the 20. Panzergrenadier-Division[22][24] 01944-05-04 4 May 1944[24] Awarded 733rd Oak Leaves 10 February 1945[24]
Jauernik, GeorgGeorg Jauernik Luftwaffe 11-LStabsfeldwebel[24] Pilot in the II./Sturzkampfgeschwader 77[22][24] 01942-11-27 27 November 1942[24]
Jeckeln, FriedrichFriedrich Jeckeln Waffen-SS 20-WSS-Obergruppenführer and General of the Polizei and Waffen-SS[Note 16] Höherer SS- und Polizeiführer Ostland und Rußland-Nord and leader of a lett. SS-Polizei-Kampfgruppe[22][Note 16] 01944-08-27 27 August 1944[24] Awarded 802nd Oak Leaves 8 March 1945[24]
Jeckstat, ErichErich Jeckstat Luftwaffe 09-LFeldwebel[24] Pilot in the 1./Kampfgeschwader 100[22][24] 01943-03-14 14 March 1943[24]
Jedele, ErnstErnst Jedele Heer 10-HOberfeldwebel[24] Troop leader in the 6./Sturm-Regiment 14[22][24] 01944-04-15 15 April 1944*[24] Killed in action 8 March 1944[24]
Jedermann, OttoOtto Jedermann Heer 14-HHauptmann[24] Commander of the I./Panzergrenadier-Regiment 146[22][24] 01944-05-14 14 May 1944[24]
Jenatschek, JosefJosef Jenatschek Heer 12-HLeutnant[24] Leader of the 1./Panzergrenadier-Regiment 14[22][24] 01944-05-04 4 May 1944[24]
Jenisch, HansHans Jenisch Kriegsmarine 13-MOberleutnant zur See[24] Commander of U-32[22][24] 01940-10-07 7 October 1940[24]
Jenisch, RolandRoland Jenisch Heer 17-HOberst of the Reserves[25] Commander of Grenadier-Regiment 756[22][25] 01944-12-09 9 December 1944[25]
Jenne, PeterPeter Jenne Luftwaffe 14-LHauptmann[25] Staffelkapitän of the 12./Jagdgeschwader 300[22][25] 01945-02-02 2 February 1945[25]
Jennewein, JosefJosef Jennewein Luftwaffe 12-LLeutnant[Note 17] Pilot in the 1./Jagdgeschwader 51 "Mölders"[22][Note 17] 01943-12-05 5 December 1943*[25] Missing in action 26 July 1943[25]
Jenninger, KarlKarl Jenninger Heer 13-HOberleutnant[25] Chief of the 2./Festungs-Infanterie-Bataillon VI./999[22][25] 01944-11-26 26 November 1944[25]
Jensen, MaxMax Jensen Heer 09-HFeldwebel[25] Platoon leader in the Stab I./Grenadier-Regiment 502[22][25] 01945-04-29 29 April 1945[25]
Jenster, JakobJakob Jenster Luftwaffe 10-LOberfeldwebel[25] Pilot in the 6./Sturzkampfgeschwader 2 "Immelmann"[25][26] 01944-02-29 29 February 1944[25]
Jente, HeinzHeinz Jente Luftwaffe 13-LOberleutnant[25] Staffelkapitän of the 2./Kampfgeschwader 26[25][26] 01942-10-29 29 October 1942[25]
Jentschke, WalterWalter Jentschke[Note 18] Waffen-SS 01-WSS-Kanonier[25] Radio troop leader in the 5./SS-Freiwilligen-Artillerie-Regiment 54 "Nederland"[22][25] 01944-12-18 18 December 1944[25]
Jentzsch, ErichErich Jentzsch Heer 09-HFeldwebel[25] Platoon leader in the 4./Grenadier-Regiment 446[25][26] 01944-08-08 8 August 1944*[25] Missing in action 24 April 1943[25]
Jentzsch, HansHans Jentzsch Luftwaffe 14-LHauptmann[25] Commander of the I./Flak-Regiment 291 (motorized)[25][26] 01944-11-25 25 November 1944[25]
Jerschke, WilhelmWilhelm Jerschke Heer 05-HStabsgefreiter[25] Messenger in the 2./Panzergrenadier-Regiment 12[25][26] 01944-10-07 7 October 1944[25]
Jescheck, Hans-HeinrichHans-Heinrich Jescheck Heer 14-HHauptmann of the Reserves[25] Leader of Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 118[25][26] 01945-03-05 5 March 1945[25]
Jeschonnek, HansHans Jeschonnek Luftwaffe 18-LGeneralmajor[27] Chief of the general staff of the Luftwaffe[26][27] 01939-10-27 27 October 1939[27]
Jeserer, HelmutHelmut Jeserer Heer 14-HHauptmann[27] Commander of the II./Sturm-Regiment 215[26][27] 01945-04-30 30 April 1945[27]
Jesse, RudolfRudolf Jesse Kriegsmarine 13-MOberleutnant zur See of the Reserves[27] Commander of a Minensuchboot (minesweeper) in the 8. Minensuchflottille[26][27] 01944-09-05 5 September 1944[27]
Jesser, Curt vonCurt von Jesser Heer 17-HOberst[27] Commander of Panzer-Regiment 36[26][27] 01942-01-18 18 January 1942[27]
Jetting, ErnstErnst Jetting Heer 10-HOberfeldwebel[27] Platoon leader in the 1./Grenadier-Regiment 29 (motorized)[26][27] 01944-06-04 4 June 1944[27]
Jobelius, HermannHermann Jobelius Heer 15-HMajor[27] Commander of the II./Grenadier-Regiment 432[26][27] 01945-02-28 28 February 1945[27]
Jochems, HermannHermann Jochems Luftwaffe 10-LOberfeldwebel[27] Pilot in the Stab/Sturzkampfgeschwader 2 "Immelmann"[26][27] 01942-09-03 3 September 1942[27]
Jochims, Hermann-GustavHermann-Gustav Jochims Heer 14-HHauptmann[27] Chief of the 7./Grenadier-Regiment 90 (motorized)[26][27] 01943-09-19 19 September 1943[27]
Jochimsen, BernhardBernhard Jochimsen Heer 06-HUnteroffizier of the Reserves[Note 19] Group leader in the 1./Pionier-Bataillon 290[26][27] 01945-04-28 28 April 1945[27]
Jodl, AlfredAlfred Jodl Heer 21-HGeneraloberst[27] Chef des Wehrmachtführungsstabes (Chief of Operation Staff) im OKW[26][Note 20] 01945-05-07 7 May 1945[Note 20] Awarded (865th) Oak Leaves 7 May 1945[Note 21]
Jodl, FerdinandFerdinand Jodl Heer 20-HGeneral der Gebirgstruppe[27] Commanding general of the XIX. Gebirgskorps[26][27] 01945-01-13 13 January 1945[27]
Joecks, MartinMartin Joecks Heer 14-HHauptmann of the Reserves[27] Commander of leichte Artillerie-Abteilung 426 (motorized)[26][Note 22] 01944-05-14 14 May 1944[27]
Jödicke, Wolf-JoachimWolf-Joachim Jödicke Luftwaffe 15-LMajor[28] Gruppenkommandeur of the I./Kampfgeschwader 3 "Lützow"[26][28] 01944-02-05 5 February 1944[28]
Joerchel, WolfgangWolfgang Joerchel Waffen-SS 16-WSS-Obersturmbannführer[28] Commander of niederländ. SS-Freiwilligen-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 48 "General Seyffardt"[26][Note 23] 01944-04-21 21 April 1944[28]
Joerss, KarlKarl Jörß Kriegsmarine 06-MBootsmannsmaat (Petty Officer) of the Reserves[Note 24] Flakleiter auf einem Transporter im Mittelmeer (anti aircraft controller on a transporter in the Mediterranean)[26][Note 24] 01943-02-17 17 February 1943[28]
Joezwiak, GerhardGerhard Jözwiak Heer 06-HUnteroffizier[28] Platoon leader in the 12./Panzergrenadier-Regiment 104[26][28] 01945-03-17 17 March 1945[28]
Johannes, BernhardBernhard Johannes Luftwaffe 09-LFeldwebel[28] Pilot in the 1./Schlachtgeschwader 10[29][Note 25] 01944-10-29 29 October 1944*[28] Killed in action 11 July 1944[28]
Johannesson, RolfRolf Johannesson Kriegsmarine 17-MKapitän zur See[28] Commander of destroyer Hermes[28][29] 01942-12-07 7 December 1942[28]
Johannmeyer, WillyWilly Johannmeyer Heer 13-HOberleutnant[28] Leader of the II./Infanterie-Regiment 503[28][29] 01942-05-16 16 May 1942[28] Awarded 329th Oak Leaves 18 November 1943[28]
Johanns, GüntherGünther Johanns Heer 15-HMajor[Note 26] Commander of Pionier-Bataillon 292[28][29] 01944-01-09 9 January 1944[28]
Johannsen, HansHans Johannsen Kriegsmarine 13-MOberleutnant (Ing.)[28] Chief engineer on U-802[28][29] 01945-03-31 31 March 1945[28]
Johannsen, KurtKurt Johannsen Kriegsmarine 14-MKapitänleutnant[28] Chief of the 5. Schnellbootflottille[28][29] 01944-06-14 14 June 1944[28]
Johanssen, Karl-LudwigKarl-Ludwig Johanssen Luftwaffe 12-LLeutnant[28] Radio operator in the I./Nachtjagdgeschwader 6[29][Note 27] 01945-03-20 20 March 1945[28]
John, Dipl.-Ing. RichardDipl.-Ing. Richard John Heer 18-HGeneralmajor[28] Commander of the 292. Infanterie-Division[28][29] 01943-12-20 20 December 1943[28]
John, RichardRichard John Heer 09-HFeldwebel[30] Company troop leader in the 2./Grenadier-Regiment 445[29][30] 01944-05-04 4 May 1944[30]
John, WolframWolfram John Heer 13-HOberleutnant of the Reserves[30] Chief of the 2./Sturmgeschütz-Brigade 209[29][30] 01944-11-18 18 November 1944[30]
Johne, MaxMax Johne Heer 13-HOberleutnant of the Reserves[30] Chief of the 9./Grenadier-Regiment 667[29][30] 01943-10-30 30 October 1943[30]
Johnen, WilhelmWilhelm Johnen Luftwaffe 13-LOberleutnant[30] Staffelkapitän of the 8./Nachtjagdgeschwader 6[29][Note 28] 01944-10-29 29 October 1944[30]
Jokisch, FritzFritz Jokisch Heer 09-HFeldwebel of the Reserves[Note 29] Platoon leader in the 3./Panzergrenadier-Regiment 110[29][30] 01943-07-28 28 July 1943*[30] Died of wounds 14 July 1943[30]
Jolitz, GünterGünter Jolitz Luftwaffe 13-LOberleutnant[30] Staffelführer of the 9.(K)/Lehrgeschwader 1[29][30] 01944-06-05 5 June 1944*[Note 30] Killed in action 12 February 1944[30]
Jollasse, ErwinErwin Jollasse Heer 17-HOberst[30] Commander of Schützen-Regiment 52[29][30] 01941-11-02 2 November 1941[30]
Jooss, LudwigLudwig Jooss Heer 15-HMajor of the Reserves[30] Commander of I./Grenadier-Regiment 21[29][30] 01945-03-17 17 March 1945[30]
Jope, BernhardBernhard Jope Luftwaffe 13-LOberleutnant[30] Pilot in the 2./Kampfgeschwader 40[29][30] 01940-12-30 30 December 1940[30] Awarded 431st Oak Leaves 24 March 1944[30]
Joppien, Hermann-FriedrichHermann-Friedrich Joppien Luftwaffe 13-LOberleutnant[30] Staffelkapitän of the 1./Jagdgeschwader 51[29][Note 31] 01940-09-16 16 September 1940[30] Awarded 11th Oak Leaves 23 April 1941[30]
Jordan, AdolfAdolf Jordan Heer 15-HMajor[30] Commander of the I./Infanterie-Regiment 203[29][30] 01942-05-27 27 May 1942[30]
Jordan, GüntherGünther Jordan Heer 17-HOberst of the Reserves[30] Commander of Jäger-Regiment 25 (L)[29][Note 32] 01945-03-17 17 March 1945[30]
Jordan, HansHans Jordan Heer 17-HOberst[31] Commander of Infanterie-Regiment 49[29][31] 01940-06-05 5 June 1940[31] Awarded 59th Oak Leaves 16 January 1942
64th Swords 20 April 1944[31]
Jordan, HansHans Jordan Heer 16-HOberstleutnant im Generalstab[31] Ia (operations officer) in the 72. Infanterie-Division[31][32] 01945-02-22 22 February 1945[31]
Jordan, HerbertHerbert Jordan Heer 14-HHauptmann[31] Chief of the 4./Artillerie-Regiment 32[31][32] 01944-09-10 10 September 1944[31]
Jordan, HermannHermann Jordan Heer 14-HHauptmann[31] Leader of the III./Grenadier-Regiment 9[31][32] 01943-08-16 16 August 1943*[31] Killed in action 2 August 1943[31]
Jordan, ManfredManfred Jordan Heer 06-HSanitäts-Unteroffizier[31] Platoon leader in the 4./Panzergrenadier-Regiment 66[31][32] 01944-01-11 11 January 1944[31]
Joseph, WalterWalter Joseph Heer 12-HLeutnant of the Reserves[31] Leader of the 4./Feldersatz-Bataillon 107[31][32] 01944-06-24 24 June 1944[31]
Jost, HansHans Jost Heer 09-HFeldwebel[31] Platoon leader in the 2./Panzer-Jäger-Abteilung 256[31][32] 01944-04-05 5 April 1944*[31] Killed in action 23 February 1944[31]
Jost, WalterWalter Jost Heer 17-HOberst[31] Commander of Infanterie-Regiment 75[31][32] 01942-03-31 31 March 1942[31]
Josten, GüntherGünther Josten Luftwaffe 10-LOberfeldwebel[31] Pilot in the 3./Jagdgeschwader 51 "Mölders"[32][Note 33] 01944-02-05 5 February 1944[31] Awarded 810th Oak Leaves 28 March 1945[31]
Joswig, WilhelmWilhelm Joswig Luftwaffe 10-LOberfeldwebel[31] Pilot in the 9./Sturzkampfgeschwader 2 "Immelmann"[31][32] 01944-02-29 29 February 1944[31]
Juchem, HansHans Juchem Waffen-SS 14-WSS-Hauptsturmführer[31] Commander of the II./Panzergrenadier-Regiment "Germania"[31][33] 01943-09-12 12 September 1943*[31] Killed in action 13 August 1943[31]
Juditzki, GeorgGeorg Juditzki Luftwaffe 12-LLeutnant[31] Pilot in the Stab I./Kampfgeschwader 53 "Legion Condor"[31][32] 01944-11-09 9 November 1944[31]
Juenemann, WalterWalter Jünemann Heer 09-HFeldwebel[34] Company troop leader in the 4./Panzergrenadier-Regiment 104[32][34] 01944-10-04 4 October 1944*[34] Killed in action 14 August 1944[34]
Juergen, Friedrich-WilhelmFriedrich-Wilhelm Jürgen Heer 15-HMajor[34] Commander of the II./Schützen-Regiment 2[32][34] 01940-06-16 16 June 1940[34]
Juergens, HeinzHeinz Jürgens[Note 34] Waffen-SS 14-WSS-Hauptsturmführer Commander of SS-Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 4[32] 01945-05-09 9 May 1945
Juergens, KarlKarl Jürgens Heer 09-HFeldwebel[34] Platoon leader in the 2./Infanterie-Regiment 73[32][34] 01940-09-04 4 September 1940[34]
Juergens, WilhelmWilhelm Jürgens Luftwaffe 15-LMajor[34] Commander of the II./Flak-Regiment 23 (motorized)[32][34] 01944-06-09 9 June 1944[34]
Juergensen, ArnoldArnold Jürgensen Waffen-SS 15-WSS-Sturmbannführer[34] Commander of the I./SS-Panzer-Regiment 12 "Hitlerjugend"[32][34] 01944-10-16 16 October 1944[34]
Juergensen, JustusJustus Jürgensen Heer 01-HBau-Pionier[34] In the 5./Pionier-Bau-Ersatz und Ausbildungs Bataillon 3 Crossen (Oder)[32][Note 35] 01945-02-05 5 February 1945*[34] Killed in action 5 February 1945[34]
Juergensen, KlausKlaus Jürgensen Heer 14-HHauptmann[34] Leader of the I./Grenadier-Regiment 46[34][36] 01944-02-02 2 February 1944[34]
Juettner, ArthurArthur Jüttner Heer 14-HHauptmann[34] Commander of the III./Infanterie-Regiment 38[34][36] 01941-12-14 14 December 1941[34] Awarded 622nd Oak Leaves 18 October 1944
141st Swords 5 April 1945[34]
Junck, WernerWerner Junck Luftwaffe 18-LGeneralmajor[34] Commanding general of the II. Jagdkorps[34][36] 01944-06-09 9 June 1944[34]
Jung, HeinrichHeinrich Jung Luftwaffe 14-LHauptmann[34] Gruppenkommandeur of the II./Jagdgeschwader 54[34][36] 01943-11-12 12 November 1943*[34] Killed in action 30 July 1943[34]
Jung, ValentinValentin Jung Heer 14-HHauptmann[34] Commander of Feldersatz-Bataillon 92 and Divisions-Kampfschule[36][Note 36] 01943-12-28 28 December 1943[34]
Jung, Dietrich terDietrich ter Jung Heer 13-HOberleutnant of the Reserves[34] Leader of the II./Panzergrenadier-Regiment 79[34][36] 01944-05-04 4 May 1944[34]
Jungclausen, HeinzHeinz Jungclausen Luftwaffe 13-LOberleutnant[37] Staffelkapitän of the 6./Sturzkampfgeschwader 2 "Immelmann"[36][37] 01943-10-09 9 October 1943[37]
Junge, HerbertHerbert Junge Heer 06-HUnteroffizier[37] Commander of a 8.8-cm FlaK in Greifenhagen[38][Note 37] 01945-03-13 13 March 1945[37]
Junge, WilhelmWilhelm Junge Heer 13-HOberleutnant of the Reserves[37] Chief of the 5./Artillerie-Regiment 1542[36][37] 01944-12-09 9 December 1944[37]
Jungklaus, SiegfriedSiegfried Jungklaus Luftwaffe 14-LHauptmann[37] Gruppenkommandeur of the III.(Eis)/Kampfgeschwader 3 "Lützow"[36][37] 01943-09-03 3 September 1943*[37] Killed in action 22 April 1943[37]
Jungkunst, JohannJohann Jungkunst Heer 09-HFeldwebel[37] Platoon leader in the 11./Infanterie-Regiment 41 (motorized)[36][37] 01941-08-30 30 August 1941[37]
Jungnickel, EdgarEdgar Jungnickel Kriegsmarine 13-MOberleutnant zur See[37] Commander of U-Jäger 1430[36][37] 01944-09-10 10 September 1944[37]
Jungwirth, HansHans Jungwirth[Note 38] Luftwaffe 15-LMajor Commander of Fallschirm-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 12[36] 01945-05-09 9 May 1945
Junker, HeinzHeinz Junker Heer 12-HLeutnant[37] Platoon leader in the Sturmgeschütz-Abteilung 1026[36][37] 01945-01-14 14 January 1945[37]
Jura, GeorgGeorg Jura Heer 11-HStabsfeldwebel[37] Leader of the 14./Jäger-Regiment 49[36][37] 01943-04-28 28 April 1943[37]
Jursa, FranzFranz Jursa Heer 06-HUnteroffizier[37] Platoon leader in the 3./Grenadier-Regiment 482[36][37] 01943-08-02 2 August 1943[37]
Juschkat, FranzFranz Juschkat Heer 09-HFeldwebel[37] Platoon leader in the Stabskompanie/Grenadier-Regiment 43[36][37] 01943-02-17 17 February 1943[37]

Notes

  1. ^ Großadmiral and President of Germany Karl Dönitz, Hitler's successor as Head of State (Staatsoberhaupt) and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, had ordered the cessation of all promotions and awards as of 11 May 1945 (Dönitz-decree). Consequently the last Knight's Cross awarded to Oberleutnant zur See of the Reserves Georg-Wolfgang Feller on 17 June 1945 must therefore be considered a de facto but not de jure hand-out.[2]
  2. ^ For an explanation of the various naming schemes used by the Luftwaffe, Heer, Kriegsmarine and Waffen-SS refer to nomenclature used by the Wehrmacht and Waffen-SS.
  3. ^ According to Scherzer as pilot in the 2./Zerstörergeschwader 76.[13]
  4. ^ According to Scherzer name is spelled Georg-Rupert Jakob.[15]
  5. ^ According to Scherzer as Oberleutnant of the Reserves.[13]
  6. ^ According to Scherzer as Staffelführer of the 2./Kampfgeschwader 77.[13]
  7. ^ Walther-Peer Fellgiebel, author of Die Träger des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939-1945, indicates that Jäckel received the Knight's Cross on 1 June 1945, after the Dönitz-decree prohibited the awarding of the Knight's Cross while other sources such as Clemens Range and Franz Kurowski indicate that the Knight's Cross was awarded on 28 May 1945. According to Fellgiebel Jäckel's paybook confirms his award on 1 June 1945. Thus making him a de facto but not de jure recipient. [16]
  8. ^ According to Scherzer as chief of the 1./Flak-Regiment 19.[13]
  9. ^ Fritz Jäger, in connection with the 20 July plot, failed attempt to assassinate Adolf Hitler, was deprived of all honors, ranks and orders and dishonorably discharged from the Heer on 14 August 1944. The civilian Jäger was sentenced to death by the Volksgerichtshof on 21 August 1944 and executed the same day.[17]
  10. ^ According to Scherzer on 15 May 1940.[18]
  11. ^ According to Scherzer as Staffelführer in the II./Schlachtgeschwader 1.[18]
  12. ^ According to Scherzer name is spelled Paul Jancke.[15]
  13. ^ According to Scherzer as platoon leader in the Panzer-Jäger-Kompanie 361.[15]
  14. ^ According to Scherzer as Oberleutnant of the Reserves.[21]
  15. ^ The teleprinter nomination was received by the Heerespersonalamt (HPA—Army Staff Office) from the troop on 27 March 1945. Major Joachim Domaschk approved on 12 April. A HPA-nomination was created on 20 April with the number 5084. The file card in the German Nation Archives two notes stating: "Arrived on 12 April 1945" as well as "Forwarded on 19 April 1945". Scherzer assumes that Fritz Jaquet's unit in parallel to the teleprinter nomination had send a more detailed nomination via messenger which was received on 12 April. The book "Awarded Knight's Crosses" indicates an arrival date of 14 April 1945 and forwarded on 19 April. No further information was noted indicating that the Knight's Cross was further processed or awarded. The Order Commission of the Association of Knight's Cross Recipients (AKCR) processed this case in 1982 and decided: "Knight's Cross yes, 8 May 1945". According to the AKCR the award was presented in accordance with the Dönitz-decree. This is illegal according to the Deutsche Dienststelle (WASt) and lacks legal justification. Fellgiebel later moved the presentation date by one day. Jacquet was a member of the AKCR.[23]
  16. ^ a b According to Scherzer as SS-Obergruppenführer and General of the Waffen-SS, Höherer SS- and Polizei and leader of the Höhere SS- und Polizeiführer Northern Russia, leader of Kampfgruppe Jeckeln (lett. Polizei) in the 18. Armee.[24]
  17. ^ a b According to Scherzer as Oberfeldwebel and pilot in the I./Jagdgeschwader 51 "Mölders".[25]
  18. ^ According to Scherzer name is Walter Jentschke, according to Fellgiebel name is spelled Jenschke, without the letter "t".[22][25]
  19. ^ According to Scherzer as Unteroffizier.[27]
  20. ^ a b According to Scherzer on 6 May 1945 as Chef des Wehrmachtführungsstabes (Chief of Operation Staff) im OKW and deputy chief of the OKW.[27]
  21. ^ The award was unlawfully presented on 10 May 1945. The sequential number "865" was assigned by the Association of Knight's Cross Recipients (AKCR).[17]
  22. ^ According to Scherzer as commander of leichte Artillerie-Abteilung (Raupenschlepper Ost) 426.[27]
  23. ^ According to Scherzer as commander of SS-Freiwilligen-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 48 "General Seyffardt" (niederländische Nr. 1).[28]
  24. ^ a b According to Scherzer as Bootsmannsmaat (Petty Officer) and Flakleiter auf dem Transporter "Dora" (anti aircraft controller on the transporter "Doroa").[28]
  25. ^ According to Scherzer as pilot in the I./Schlachtgeschwader 10.[28]
  26. ^ According to Scherzer as Major zur Verwendung (for disposition).[28]
  27. ^ According to Scherzer as radio operator in the IV./Nachtjagdgeschwader 6.[28]
  28. ^ According to Scherzer as pilot in the 8./Nachtjagdgeschwader 6.[30]
  29. ^ According to Scherzer as Feldwebel.[30]
  30. ^ According to Scherzer on 9 June 1944.[30]
  31. ^ According to Scherzer as pilot in the I./Jagdgeschwader 51.[30]
  32. ^ According to Scherzer as commander of Jäger-Regiment 23 (L).[30]
  33. ^ According to Scherzer as pilot in the 1./Jagdgeschwader 51 "Mölders".[31]
  34. ^ Heinz Jürgens' nomination by the troop was received by the Heeres Personalamt HPA (Army Staff Office) sometime between 23 and 27 April 1945 and prepared for signature with a presentation date of 28 April 1945. However it was never signed. According to the Association of Knight's Cross Recipients (AKCR) the award was present in accordance with the Dönitz-decree. This is illegal according to the Deutsche Dienststelle (WASt) and lacks legal justification. Jürgens was a member of the AKCR.[35]
  35. ^ According to Scherzer in the 5./Pionier-Bau-Ersatz und Ausbildungs Bataillon 3 (391. Sicherungs-Division).[34]
  36. ^ According to Scherzer as commander of Feldersatz-Bataillon 92.[34]
  37. ^ According to Scherzer as gun leader in the 4./schwere Flak-Abteilung 326.[37]
  38. ^ Hans Jungwirt's nomination (copy of the original nomination), together with Richard Hengstler's and Ferdinand Deutsch's nomination, was received by the Heerespersonalamt (HPA—Army Staff Office) from the troop on 26 March 1945. Major Joachim Domaschk forwarded this nomination to the Luftwaffenpersonalamt (LPA—Airforce Staff Office). All three original nominations had already been received by the LPA at this time. The LPA had created LPA-nominations which had been forwarded to Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring on 24 April. Göring never received these nominations since he was already arrested at that time. Göring had been under arrest by the SS on the Obersalzberg since 23 April. General Rudolf Meister therefore took the decision himself and awarded Deutsch the Knight's Cross while he rejected Hengstler's nomination. Jungwirth's nomination was retained by the LPA. The reason for this remains unanswered since Jungwirth's file in the German National Archive was looted. A presentation cannot be proven. According to the Association of Knight's Cross Recipients (AKCR) the award was presented in accordance with the Dönitz-decree. This is illegal according to the Deutsche Dienststelle (WASt) and lacks legal justification. The presentation date was assigned by Fellgiebel.[17]

References

Citations
  1. ^ Williamson and Bujeiro 2004, pp. 3–4.
  2. ^ Fellgiebel 2000, p. 4.
  3. ^ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 113–460, 483, 485–487, 492, 494, 498–499, 501, 503, 509.
  4. ^ Scherzer 2007, pp. 117–186.
  5. ^ a b Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 241–247.
  6. ^ Scherzer 2007, pp. 145–147.
  7. ^ "Reichsgesetzblatt Teil I S. 1573; 1 September 1939" (in German) (PDF). ALEX Österreichische Nationalbibliothek. Reichsministerium des Inneren (Ministry of the Interior). http://alex.onb.ac.at/cgi-content/anno-plus?apm=0&aid=dra&datum=19390007&zoom=2&seite=00001573&ues=on&x=21&y=6. Retrieved 21 February 2008. 
  8. ^ "Reichsgesetzblatt Teil I S. 849; 3 June 1940" (in German) (PDF). ALEX Österreichische Nationalbibliothek. Reichsministerium des Inneren (Ministry of the Interior). http://alex.onb.ac.at/cgi-content/anno-plus?apm=0&aid=dra&datum=19400007&zoom=2&seite=00000849&ues=on&x=22&y=10. Retrieved 21 February 2008. 
  9. ^ "Reichsgesetzblatt Teil I S. 613; 28 September 1941" (in German) (PDF). ALEX Österreichische Nationalbibliothek. Reichsministerium des Inneren (Ministry of the Interior). http://alex.onb.ac.at/cgi-content/anno-plus?apm=0&aid=dra&datum=19410007&zoom=2&seite=00000613&ues=on&x=14&y=9. Retrieved 21 February 2008. 
  10. ^ "Reichsgesetzblatt 1945 I S. 11; 29 December 1944" (in German) (PDF). ALEX Österreichische Nationalbibliothek. Reichsministerium des Inneren (Ministry of the Interior). http://alex.onb.ac.at/cgi-content/anno-plus?apm=0&aid=dra&datum=19450007&zoom=2&seite=00000011&ues=on&x=14&y=10. Retrieved 21 February 2008. 
  11. ^ Fellgiebel 2000, p. 112.
  12. ^ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 102–111.
  13. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai Scherzer 2007, p. 415.
  14. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s Fellgiebel 2000, p. 241.
  15. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap Scherzer 2007, p. 417.
  16. ^ Fellgiebel 2000, p. 4.
  17. ^ a b c Scherzer 2007, p. 146.
  18. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah Scherzer 2007, p. 416.
  19. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u Fellgiebel 2000, p. 242.
  20. ^ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 242, 493.
  21. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae Scherzer 2007, p. 418.
  22. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w Fellgiebel 2000, p. 243.
  23. ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 145.
  24. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai Scherzer 2007, p. 419.
  25. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al Scherzer 2007, p. 420.
  26. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v Fellgiebel 2000, p. 244.
  27. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai Scherzer 2007, p. 421.
  28. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak Scherzer 2007, p. 422.
  29. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u Fellgiebel 2000, p. 245.
  30. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an Scherzer 2007, p. 423.
  31. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao Scherzer 2007, p. 424.
  32. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q Fellgiebel 2000, p. 246.
  33. ^ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 246, 493.
  34. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an Scherzer 2007, p. 425.
  35. ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 147.
  36. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p Fellgiebel 2000, p. 247.
  37. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae Scherzer 2007, p. 426.
  38. ^ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 247, 493.
Bibliography
  • Fellgiebel, Walther-Peer (2000). Die Träger des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939–1945 (in German). Friedburg, Germany: Podzun-Pallas. ISBN 3-7909-0284-5.
  • Scherzer, Veit (2007). Ritterkreuzträger 1939–1945 Die Inhaber des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939 von Heer, Luftwaffe, Kriegsmarine, Waffen-SS, Volkssturm sowie mit Deutschland verbündeter Streitkräfte nach den Unterlagen des Bundesarchives (in German). Jena, Germany: Scherzers Miltaer-Verlag. ISBN 978-3-938845-17-2.
  • Williamson, Gordon and Bujeiro, Ramiro (2004). Knight's Cross and Oak Leaves Recipients 1939-40. Oxford, UK: Osprey Publishing Ltd. ISBN 1-84176-641-0.
Further reading
  • Berger, Florian (1999). Mit Eichenlaub und Schwertern. Die höchstdekorierten Soldaten des Zweiten Weltkrieges (in German). Vienna, Austria: Selbstverlag Florian Berger. ISBN 3-9501307-0-5.
  • Fraschka, Günther (1994). Knights of the Reich. Atglen, Pennsylvania: Schiffer Military/Aviation History. ISBN 0-88740-580-0.

External links