Herbert Schwender

Herbert Schwender (22 December 1912 – 22 September 1944) was a highly decorated oberst in the Wehrmacht during World War II, and one of only 882 recipients 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. Herbert Schwender was killed on 22 September 1944 in Valga, Estonia.

Awards and decorations
Gerhard von Seemen, author and researcher of the 1955 published book Die Ritterkreuzträger 1939–1945—The Knight's Cross Bearers 1939–1945, had listed Herbert Schwender as a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords. A nomination by the troop was never received by the Oberkommando des Heeres or had been denied during the approval process.
 * Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class
 * 1st Class
 * Eastern Front Medal
 * Infantry Assault Badge
 * Close Combat Clasp
 * in bronze
 * in silver
 * German Cross in gold (27 November 1941)
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves
 * Knight's Cross on 11 March 1943 as major and commander of Grenadier-Regiment Three
 * 442nd Oak Leaves on 6 April 1944 as oberst and commander of Grenadier-Regiment 45