Ernst Kutschkau

Ernst Kutschkau (23 October 1910 – 4 February 1947) was a highly decorated Oberfeldwebel der Reserve in the Wehrmacht during World War II. He was also a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves. 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. 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 (3 September 1941)
 * 1st Class (11 February 1944)
 * Wound Badge
 * in Black (October 1943)
 * in Silver (April 1944)
 * Infantry Assault Badge
 * in Silver (1942 ? 1943)
 * Eastern Front Medal
 * Close Combat Clasp
 * in Bronze (1 August 1943)
 * in Silver (15 May 1944)
 * in Gold (1 February 1945)
 * German Cross in Gold (9 March 1945)
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves
 * Knight's Cross on 16 April 1944 as Oberfeldwebel der Reserve and Führer 6. / Grenadier-Regiment 3
 * 777th Oak Leaves on 11 March 1945 as Oberfeldwebel der Reserve and Führer 6. / Grenadier-Regiment 3
 * Mentioned in the Wehrmachtbericht (18 March 1944)