Johannes Austermann

Johannes Austermann (24 June 1906 – 12 August 1973) was a highly decorated Oberstleutnant in the Wehrmacht during World War II. He was also a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership. Johannes Austermann was captured by Soviet troops in May 1945 and was released in November of that year.

Awards and decorations

 * Sudetenland Medal
 * Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class (19 May 1940)
 * 1st Class (3 August 1941)
 * Infantry Assault Badge (19 September 1941)
 * Eastern Front Medal (27 July 1942)
 * Crimea Shield (2 December 1942)
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross
 * Knight's Cross on 10 February 1945 as Major and commander of II./Grenadier-Regiment 1146
 * Oak Leaves on 20 April 1945 as Oberstleutnant and leader of Grenadier-Regiment 1146