The most highly decorated German serviceman of the war , Rudel was one of only 27 military men to be awarded the Knight 's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves , Swords and Diamonds , and the only person to be awarded the Knight 's Cross of the Iron Cross with Golden Oak Leaves , Swords and Diamonds ( ) , Germany 's second highest military decoration at the time and the highest degree of the Knight 's Cross .
He was the most highly decorated German serviceman of the war . Rudel was one of only 27 military men to be awarded the Knight 's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves , Swords and Diamonds .