Karl Wanka

Karl Wanka (1 June 1914 – 3 May 1980) was a highly decorated Major der Reserve 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. Karl Wanka was captured by American forces in May 1945, he was handed over to Czech forces and was forced to work in a uranium mine until 1956.

Awards and decorations

 * Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class (29 July 1941)
 * 1st Class (15 January 1942)
 * Infantry Assault Badge
 * Eastern Front Medal
 * Close Combat Clasp
 * in Bronze
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves
 * Knight's Cross on 23 February 1944 as Oberleutnant der Reserve and commander of I./Grenadier-Regiment 446
 * 800th Oak Leaves on 23 March 1945 as Major der Reserve and commander of I./Grenadier-Regiment 53