Rupert Kraus

Rupert Kraus (15 July 1917 – 31 May 1993) was a German tank commander and recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross during World War II. The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership.

Career
Oberleutnant Kraus received the Knight's Cross following the battles in East Prussia in October 1944. At the time of the fighting he was a leader in 2./Fallschirm-Panzer-Regiment "Hermann Göring", a tank company equipped with Panthers. He and his tanks tore a gap in the advancing Soviet forces and participated in a meeting engagement with Russian armour in the village of Kassuben. A total of 14 tanks were encountered of which all of them were destroyed. He then held the village against further heavy attacks, despite being threatened with encirclement. Following three days of fighting, by October 22nd Kraus's company had been credited with the destruction of about 40 tanks, 30 anti-tank guns and a battalion of infantry. It was for this defensive success that he was later awarded the Knight's Cross.

Awards & decorations

 * Iron Cross
 * 2nd Class
 * 1st Class
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 30 November 1944 as Führer 2./Fallschirm-Panzer-Regiment 1 Hermann Göring