Hans-Joachim Merks

Hans-Joachim Merks (2 February 1917 – 21 June 1961) was a Kapitänleutnant with the Kriegsmarine during World War II and a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes). The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership.

Awards

 * Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class (20 November 1939)
 * 1st Class (22 May 1941)
 * German Cross in Gold (21 November 1942)
 * Minesweeper War Badge (12 November 1940)
 * Italian War Merit Cross with Swords (Voce al valore militare) (29 December 1942)
 * Cuff title "Afrika" (30 August 1943)
 * Wound Badge in Black (6 November 1944)
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross (28 May 1945)