Karl-Heinz Prinz

Karl-Heinz Prinz (23 February 1914 — 14 August 1944) was a Sturmbannführer (Major) in the Waffen-SS during World War II, who was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross: which was awarded to recognize extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership by Nazi Germany during World War II.

Early life
Karl-Heinz Prinz was born on the 23 February 1914. He was one of the early volunteers to join the SS being selected to become an officer in 1936, and given the rank of Standartenjunker (Staff Sergeant). Upon graduation he was promoted to Untersturmführer (Second Lieutenant) in April 1937, soon followed with promotion to Obersturmführer (First Lieutenant) in November 1938.

World War II
By the start of World War II Prinz was the Adjutant of the 7 Standarte, SS Totenkopf, he was then transferred to the Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler Regiment and given command of a Panzerjäger (tank hunter) platoon. During the Battle of France in the fighting near Armentières on the 29 May 1940, Prinz, especially distinguished himself when he and his platoon forced a breakthrough of the English positions and established a link-up with the formations located in Bailleul. For this he was awarded the Iron Cross II Class.

After the defeat of France, Prinz was next involved in Operation Marita, the invasion of the Balkans in 1941. In the campaign in Greece Prinz, by now in command of the Panzerjäger Company played an essential roll in the breakthrough at the Battle of the Klidi Pass (11 and 12 April). During the fighting against the Greek-Albanian Army in the Kastoria area (14 to 15 April), in the fighting pursuit through Thessaly which followed, and the subsequent advance on Ioannina, his company was always in the fore front of the advance. For the fighting in Greece Prinz was decorated with the Bulgarian Order of Bravery fourth class.

Prinz next took part in Operation Barbarossa, the invasion of the Soviet Union. By now promoted to Hauptsturmführer (Captain), he was awarded the Eastern Front Medal for service during the first Russian winter of the war. He was transferred to the 12th SS Panzer Division Hitlerjugend when it was formed in 1943, and given command of the II. Battalion, 12th SS Panzer Regiment and promoted to Sturmbannführer (Major) in June 1943.

Karl-Heinz Prinz was killed in action during the battle of Normandy on 14 August 1944, assaulting Point 159 just north of Falaise, and was awarded the Knight's Cross in July 1944.