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. Gerd Ruge was captured by British troops in April 1945 and was released later that year. In 1956 he joined the Bundeswehr and retired in 1971 as an Oberst.
Iron Cross (1939) Bibliography.
Iron Cross (1939) 2nd Class (19 July 1941) 1st Class (8 August 1941) Wound Badge (1939) in Black Infantry Assault Badge Eastern Front Medal Close Combat Clasp in Bronze in Silver Knight"s Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves Knight"s Cross on 7 September 1943 as Oberleutnant and commander of I./Panzergrenadier-Regiment 128 648th Oak Leaves on 16 November 1944 as Major and commander of Panzergrenadier-Regiment 128 Mention in the Wehrmachtbericht (22 October 1944).
