Heinz Paul Adolff

Heinz Paul Adolff (29 June 1914 – 17 July 1943) was a highly decorated Major der Reserves in the Fallschirmjäger 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. Heinz Paul Adolff was mortally wounded trying to destroy the Primasole Bridge over the River Simeto on 17 July 1943 during the Allied invasion of Sicily. Adolff attempted to drive a truck loaded with two aerial bombs onto the bridge. After two failed attempts he was severely wounded on the third attempt and succumbed to wounds shortly afterwards. He was posthumously awarded the Knight's Cross and promoted to Major der Reserves.

Awards and decorations

 * Fallschirmschützenabzeichen
 * Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class (2 June 1940)
 * 1st Class (27 June 1940)
 * Eastern Front Medal
 * German Cross in Gold on 19 March 1942 as Oberleutnant of the Reserves in the 1./Fallschirm-Pionier-Battalion
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 26 March 1944 as Hauptmann of the Reserves and commander of Fallschirm-Pionier-Battalion 1