All together 882 soldiers in World War II were awarded the Oakleaves to the Knight's Cross (Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub), counting them as the very best soldiers of their time. For this award, they were flown to Hitler's headquarters to be awarded by him personally, and afforded a short audience. Once awarded, they were ushered into a studio room where Luftwaffe Staff Photographer, Walter Frentz, took their photos in color. In this, the first of what will become a three-volume set, are the strikingly sharp, full-color photos of all Oak Leaf Holders of the four branches of the German Armed Forces (Wehrmacht) in World War II.

Arndt Verlag books contain 100 plus wartime color photos.