Franz Gössmann

Franz Gössmann (8 December 1909 – 4 April 1945) was a highly decorated Oberfeldwebel 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 and was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership. He was also awarded the very rare Close Combat Clasp in Gold one of only 631 awards.

Awards and decorations

 * West Wall Medal
 * Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class (9 July 1941)
 * 1st Class (20 July 1942)
 * Wound Badge
 * in Black
 * in Silver
 * Infantry Assault Badge
 * Eastern Front Medal
 * Close Combat Clasp
 * in Bronze (?)
 * in Silver (?)
 * in Gold (1 February 1945)
 * German Cross in Gold (25 September 1943)
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 14 May 1944 as Oberfeldwebel and platoon leader in the 2./Grenadier-Regiment 199 "List"