Bernhard Kranz

Bernhard Kranz (26 December 1913 – 26 February 2005) was a highly decorated Hauptmann der Reserve 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 (24 August 1940)
 * 1st Class (31 July 1941)
 * Wound Badge (1939)
 * in Black
 * in Silver
 * in Gold
 * Eastern Front Medal
 * Infantry Assault Badge
 * Crimea Shield
 * Close Combat Clasp
 * in Bronze (27 July 1944)
 * in Silver (20 August 1944)
 * in Gold (26 November 1944)
 * German Cross in Gold (24 June 1942)
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 5 November 1944 as Oberleutnant der Reserve and chief of the 15./Jäger-Regiment 83