The Knight"s Cross of the Iron Cross was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership. Heinz Behnke joined the Bundeswehr in 1956 and retired in 1979 as an Oberst im Generalstab. Iron Cross (1939) Bibliography.
Iron Cross (1939) 2nd Class (13 April 1942) 1st Class (26 November 1943) Wound Badge (1939) in Black Infantry Assault Badge Eastern Front Medal Crimea Shield Knight"s Cross of the Iron Cross on 20 January 1944 as Leutnant of the Reserves and Zugführer (platoon leader) in the 14.(PzJ)/Grenadier-Regiment 668.
