Ernst Krag

Ernst August Krag was a German soldier who served in the Waffen SS during World War II, finishing the war with the rank of Sturmbannführer (Major). He was a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oakleaves, awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership.

Career
Krag joined the SS-Verfügungstruppe in 1935 and was assigned to the 5th Company, Germania Regiment. In 1937, he volunteered for paratroop training at the Luftwaffe school at Stendal, following which he returned to the division and was promoted to SS-Unterscharführer. He was then selected for officer training and posted to the SS-Junkerschule at Bad Tolz from November 1938 to August 1939. After some additional training at the Artillery school at Jüterbog, Krag was posted as the commander of the 3rd Battery, 3rd SS Artillery regiment, Das Reich.

World War II
In 1940, Krag was the adjutant for the 1st Battalion under Herbert Otto Gille. He was severely wounded on 23 January and returned to Germany to recover. When he returned to the unit, he was posted as the Artillery Regiment Adjutant holding this post for about 6 months. In October 1942, he moved to the Sturmgeschutz (StuG) Battalion as the 2nd Battery Commander. It was during this time that Krag was awarded the German Cross in Gold.

Krag took temporary command of the Sturmgeschutz Battalion in August 1943, and his command was later made permanent. In late July 1944, he was transferred to command the 2nd SS Panzer Reconnaissance Battalion of Das Reich, which he led through the Battle of Normandy and later, the Battle of the Bulge. He was awarded the Knight's Cross and the only Oakleaves awarded to a member of the Reconnaissance battalion during his period in command of the battalion.

Promotions

 * Untersturmführer: November 9, 1939
 * Oberstrumführer: April 20, 1941
 * Hauptsturmführer: April 20, 1943
 * Sturmbannführer: April 20, 1944

Later life
Krag survived the war and died in May 1994.