Awarded to those who had distinguished himself at least three times more than he had for the Second Class award. For the Luftwaffe, it was awarded on a points system. One point for shooting down a single engine fighter, two for twin-engine, three points for a four engine bomber. Night victories were assessed double points. Five points were necessary for the award of the EK I. On occasions when a the previous award had not been made but the criteria for a higher award had been met, both awards were bestowed simultaneously.