Josef-Franz Eckinger

Dr. Josef-Franz Eckinger (17 December 1904 – 17 October 1941) was a German officer during World War II and recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub). 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.

Eckinger was killed on 17 October 1941 near Mednoye at the Volga River.

Awards

 * Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class (26 May 1940)
 * 1st Class (13 June 1940)
 * Infantry Assault Badge in Silver
 * Honour Roll Clasp of the Army (20 September 1941)
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves
 * Knight's Cross on 17 March 1941 as Hauptmann and leader of the II./Schützen-Regiment 1
 * 48th Oak Leaves on 31 December 1941 (posthumously) as Major and commander of the I./Schützen-Regiment 1