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. Hans-Joachim Kahler was captured by British troops in May 1945 and was released in 1946. Bibliography.
Iron Cross (1939) 2nd Class (3 July 1940) 1st Class (3 September 1941) Wound Badge (1939) in Black or in Silver Eastern Front Medal (4 September 1942) Knight"s Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves Knight"s Cross on 14 April 1943 as Major and commander of Kradschützen-Bataillon 34 355th Oak Leaves on 17 December 1943 as Oberstleutnant and commander of Panzergrenadier-Regiment 5.
