Günther Konopacki

Günther Konopacki (10 October 1921 – 23 June 1987) was a highly decorated Rittmeister in the Wehrmacht during World War II. He was also a recipient 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. He was also awarded the very rare Close Combat Clasp in Gold one of only 631 awards.

Awards and decorations

 * Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class (27 June 1941)
 * 1st Class (27 October 1941)
 * Wound Badge (1939)
 * in Black
 * in Silver
 * Eastern Front Medal
 * Infantry Assault Badge
 * Close Combat Clasp
 * in Bronze (25 October 1943)
 * in Silver (21 December 1943)
 * in Gold  (17 March 1945)
 * Honour Roll Clasp of the Army (17 September 1943)
 * German Cross in Gold (21 April 1943)
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves
 * Knight's Cross on 19 December 1944 as Oberleutnant and commander of Aufklärungs-Abteilung 168
 * 797th Oak Leaves on 23 March 1945 as Rittmeister and commander of 1.Aufklärungs-Lehr-Abteilung