Karl-Heinz Wallhäuser

Karl-Heinz Wallhäuser (11 March 1922 – 9 June 1996) was a German military officer and recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross during World War II. The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership.

Career
Karl-Heinz Wallhäuser had been assigned command of a company of Jagdpanzer IV tank destroyers when his division was transferred to the Eastern front. During the first round of fighting, on 9 August, he created the preconditions for the establishment of a new defensive line by repelling Russian advances and launching spoiling attacks of his own. His greatest success was near Studziansk, where he counterattacked and captured a Russian-held village, destroying six tanks as well as several anti-tank and infantry positions. Two of these tanks were destroyed by Wallhäuser himself despite his gunner being put out of action.

In the fighting in East Prussia later on that year, on 26 October, Wallhäuser's tank destroyers engaged a major Russian tank force and was able to drive it back to its starting line, collecting stragglers along the way. When the neighbouring unit was forced to retreat he counterattacked into the Russians' flank, recapturing the position and inflicting approximately 300 casualties. This defensive success prevented a Russian breakthrough towards Gumbinnen, and Wallhäuser was later awarded the Knight's Cross for this action.

Awards & decorations

 * Iron Cross
 * 2nd Class
 * 1st Class
 * Parachutist Badge (Germany)
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 30 November 1944 as Führer 1./Fsch.Pz.Jg.Abt. "HG"