Hans-Werner Kraus

Hans-Werner Kraus (1 July 1915 – 25 May 1990) was a German U-boat commander in World War II and 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.

Kraus served as 1st watch officer on GS U-47 (1938) from January 1940 until November 1940 having replaced Engelbert Endrass. He later commanded GS U-83 (1941) and GS U-199. He was on board the latter when it was bombed and sunk by aircraft off the coast of Brazil on 31 July 1943. Captured, he was sent as a POW to the United States. Kraus was one of the 25 POWs who escaped from Camp Papago Park, Arizona, during the night of 23–24 December 1944.

Ships attacked
* Sailing vessel

Awards

 * Wehrmacht Long Service Award 4th Class
 * U-boat War Badge (1939) (29 April 1940)
 * Medaglia di bronzo al Valore Militare (18 March 1942)
 * Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class (8 July 1940)
 * 1st Class (28 September 1940)
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 19 June 1942 as Kapitänleutnant and commander of U-83
 * Mentioned in the Wehrmachtbericht on 22 March 1942