Hans Austen

Hans Wilhelm Klemens Viktor Maria Austen (27 July 1918 – 24 January 1994) was a highly decorated Major 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.

Awards and decorations

 * Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class (18 July 1940)
 * 1st Class (2 July 1941)
 * Wound Badge (1939)
 * in Black (15 March 1942)
 * Eastern Front Medal (20 August 1942)
 * Infantry Assault Badge in Silver (4 September 1941)
 * German Cross in Gold on 14 April 1943 as Hauptmann in the II./Grenadier-Regiment 487
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 5 December 1943 as Hauptmann and commander of the II./Grenadier-Regiment 487