Gerhard Konopka

Gerhard Konopka (27 March 1911 – 29 January 1997) was a highly decorated Major der Reserves 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 (18 January 1941)
 * 1st Class (1 July 1941)
 * Wound Badge
 * in Black
 * in Silver
 * in Gold
 * Eastern Front Medal
 * Infantry Assault Badge
 * 4 Tank Destruction Badges for Individual Combatants
 * Close Combat Clasp
 * in Gold (25 June 1943)
 * German Cross in Gold (9 October 1942)
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 29 August 1943 as Oberleutnant der Reserves and commander of II. / Grenadier-Regiment "Großdeutschland"