Traugott Kempas

Traugott Kempas (27 August 1919 – 13 March 1945) was a highly decorated Major 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. He was killed in action on 13 March 1945 in the Heiligenbeil Pocket near Rosenwalde.

Awards and decorations

 * Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class (8 July 1941)
 * 1st Class (29 August 1941)
 * Wound Badge
 * in Black
 * in Silver
 * Infantry Assault Badge
 * Eastern Front Medal
 * Close Combat Clasp
 * in Bronze (1 June 1943)
 * in Silver (Winter 1944)
 * in Gold (8 March 1945)
 * Honour Roll Clasp of the Army (25 February 1945)
 * German Cross in Gold (24 April 1944)
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves
 * Knight's Cross on 9 December 1944 as Hauptmann and commander of I. / Grenadier-Regiment 176
 * 757th Oak Leaves on 28 February 1945 as Hauptmann and commander of I. / Grenadier-Regiment 176