Heinrich Debus (SS officer)

Heinrich Debus (30 June 1921 — 5 March 1996) was a Hauptsturmführer (Captain) in the Waffen-SS during World War II who was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, which was awarded to recognize extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership by Nazi Germany during World War II.

Heinrich Debus was born on the 30 June 1921, in Eckelshausen. He volunteered to join the SS in June 1940 (SS number 316.063) and was promoted to Unterscharführer (Corporal) in January 1941.

He was selected to become an officer and posted to the SS-Junkerschule Bad Tölz between November 1941 and April 1942.

After graduation and promotion to Untersturmführer (Second Lieutenant) he was posted to the SS Division Wiking in June 1942. He was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd class in August 1942 and the 1st class in February 1943.

He was awarded the Knight's Cross while second in command of the 5th SS Reconnaissance Battalion in May 1944.

Debus survived the war and died on 5 March 1996.