Rüdiger Hertel

Rüdiger Hertel (26 August 1919 – 27 August 1995) 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 (25 May 1940)
 * 1st Class (17 December 1940)
 * Wound Badge
 * in Black
 * in Silver
 * in Gold (20 October 1944)
 * Eastern Front Medal
 * Panzer Badge
 * Close Combat Clasp
 * in Bronze (10 May 1943)
 * in Silver (10 August 1943)
 * in Gold (7 November 1943)
 * Honour Roll Clasp of the Army (7 July 1944)
 * German Cross in Gold (2 January 1942)
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 28 October 1944 as Hauptmann and commander of I. / Panzergrenadier-Regiment 12