Knights War Merit with Swords

This decoration was established on October 18, 1939, by Adolf Hitler. It was typically awarded for significant contributions to the war effort that involved direct combat. Recipients would have demonstrated exceptional bravery or outstanding leadership in combat situations.

The addition of "with Swords" to the designation indicates that this was an award for combat merit, as opposed to the Knight's Cross of the War Merit Cross without Swords, which was awarded for non-combat contributions to the war effort.