Gerhard Giesen

Gerhard Giesen (29 January 1890 – 5 February 1945) was a highly decorated Oberst 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 was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership. Gerhard Giesen was killed in action on 5 February 1945 during the East Prussian Offensive. He was posthumously awarded the Knight's Cross on 11 March 1945.

Awards and decorations

 * Iron Cross (1914)
 * 2nd Class
 * 1st Class
 * Knight's Cross of the House Order of Hohenzollern with Swords
 * Cross of Honor
 * Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class (23 September 1939)
 * 1st Class (4 October 1939)
 * Infantry Assault Badge
 * Honour Roll Clasp of the Army (5 November 1944)
 * German Cross in Gold (1 December 1943)
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 11 March 1945 as Oberst and commander of Grenadier-Regiment 123