Hans Fritsche (officer)

Hans Martin Fritsche (24 June 1909 – 27 May 1993) was a highly decorated Oberst in the Wehrmacht during World War II. He was also a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves. The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross and its higher grade Oak Leaves was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership. Hans Fritsche was captured by American troops in May 1945 and was released in mid-June.

Awards and decorations

 * Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class (20 July 1941)
 * 1st Class (8 February 1942)
 * Wound Badge (1939)
 * in Black
 * in Silver
 * Close Combat Clasp
 * in Bronze
 * Infantry Assault Badge
 * Eastern Front Medal (1 September 1942)
 * German Cross in Gold (18 March 1845)
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves
 * Knight's Cross on 10 March 1943 as Hauptmann and commander of the II./Grenadier-Regiment 528
 * 307th Oak Leaves on 2 October 1943 as Major and commander of the I./Grenadier-Regiment 528