World War II Medals can be classified into two categories: Military and Political. The military medals were rendered to soldiers who normally participated in campaigns or performed heroic deeds while political awards were given to those who provided service to their countries. This article will emphasize on the types of military medals and badges produced by Axis Countries and Foreign Legions that provided military and political support to Germany. However, this article on Axis awards would not do justice without mentioning German war medals, which took certain precedence and were considered honorary awards to those foreign soldiers that fought along side the Germans. Such an award was the German highest decoration, the Knight Cross of the Iron Cross or "Ritterkreuz," which was awarded to 7600 Germans out of 15 million men that participated in World War II. About 465 Waffen-SS men including foreigners received the Knight Cross. The following is a list of Foreigners in the Waffen-SS who received the Knight Cross:
3 Danish, 3 Dutch, 4 Estonians (one received the Oakleaves), 1 Flemish, 3 French, 12 Latvians and 2 Walloons (one received the Oakleaves).
Concerning the Axis Countries I believe that only top ranking officials and commanding officers received the Knight Cross.