Ernst Kruse

Ernst Kruse (1 October 1915 - 15 October 1944) was a highly decorated Oberfähnrich 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. Ernst Kruse was killed on 15 October 1944 near Serock, Poland.

Awards and decorations

 * Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class (28 October 1939)
 * 1st Class (26 July 1940)
 * Wound Badge (1939)
 * in Black
 * Panzer Badge in Silver
 * Eastern Front Medal (1 September 1942)
 * German Cross in Gold (19 January 1942)
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves
 * Knight's Cross on 6 October 1942 as Oberfeldwebel and platoon leader in the 7./Panzergrenadier-Regiment 3
 * 245th Oak Leaves on 17 May 1943 as Oberfeldwebel and platoon leader in the 7./Panzergrenadier-Regiment 3