Helmut Kroeg

Helmut Kroeg (28 January 1914 – 22 April 1990) was a highly decorated Hauptmann 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 (26 January 1942)
 * 1st Class (3 September 1943)
 * Wound Badge
 * in Black
 * in Silver
 * Infantry Assault Badge
 * Close Combat Clasp
 * in Bronze (1 May 1944)
 * in Silver (Winter 1944)
 * in Gold (1 March 1945)
 * Honour Roll Clasp of the Army (5 February 1945)
 * German Cross in Gold (15 April 1945)
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 28 March 1945 as Oberleutnant and leader of the II./Grenadier-Regiment 45