For Kholm 's command of the defense , Scherer was personally awarded the knight 's cross of the Iron Cross with oak foliage by Adolf Hitler . Scherer was personally awarded the Knight 's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves by Adolf Hitler for the command of the defense of Kholm . Adolf Hitler was personally awarded the Knight 's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves by Scherer for the command of the defense of Kholm .