Ernst Grunau

Ernst Grunau (28 September 1919 – 8 July 1989) was a highly decorated Hauptmann in the Wehrmacht during World War II. He was also a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross and 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 (8 October 1941)
 * 1st Class (17 January 1942)
 * Wound Badge
 * in Black
 * in Silver
 * in Gold
 * Panzer Badge
 * 2 Tank Destruction Badges for Individual Combatants
 * Close Combat Clasp
 * in Bronze (26 August 1943)
 * in Silver (20 December 1943)
 * in Gold (26 August 1944)
 * German Cross in Gold (24 March 1945)
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 4 October 1944 as Oberleutnant and Führer of the Begleitkompanie of the 14. Panzer-Division