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. Ernst Kuppinger was captured by French troops in April 1945 and was held until April 1946. Iron Cross (1939) Bibliography.
Iron Cross (1939) 2nd Class (17 June 1940) 1st Class (1 October 1941) Wound Badge (1939) in Black in Silver in Gold Infantry Assault Badge Eastern Front Medal Knight"s Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves Knight"s Cross on 24 December 1944 as Hauptmann and commander of the World War II/Grenadier-Regiment 352 819th Oak Leaves on 5 April 1945 as Hauptmann and commander of Füsilier-Battalion 246.
