Erich Friedrich

Erich Friedrich (15 July 1914 – 1 October 1983) was a highly decorated Oberleutnant 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 (15 August 1941)
 * 1st Class (23 March 1942)
 * Wound Badge
 * in Black
 * in Silver
 * in Gold
 * Panzer Badge
 * Eastern Front Medal
 * Honour Roll Clasp of the Army (7 November 1943)
 * Close Combat Clasp
 * in Bronze (26 August 1943)
 * in Silver (20 December 1943)
 * in Gold (26 August 1944)
 * German Cross in Gold (10 August 1943)
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 2 September 1944 as Oberfeldwebel and company troop leader in 1. / Panzer-Grenadier-Regiment 33