Martin Hrustak

Martin Hrustak (17 October 1913 – 18 August 1944) was an Oberfeldwebel in the Wehrmacht during World War II, and one of only 882 recipients of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves. The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross and its higher grade Oak Leaves was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership. Martin Hrustak was killed on 18 August 1944 near Riga, Latvia.

Awards and decorations

 * Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class (30 September 1941)
 * 1st Class (8 January 1943)
 * Wound Badge (1939)
 * in Black
 * in Silver
 * Eastern Front Medal
 * Infantry Assault Badge
 * Close Combat Clasp
 * in Bronze
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves
 * Knight's Cross on 11 December 1943 as Oberfeldwebel and platoon leader in 7./Grenadier-Regiment 162
 * 473rd Oak Leaves on 14 May 1944 as Oberfeldwebel and platoon leader in 7./Grenadier-Regiment 162