Career
He was awarded the Knight"s Cross of the Iron Cross. Which was awarded to recognize extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership by Nazi Germany during World World War World War II He was also one of only 631 men to be awarded the very rare Close Combat Clasp in Gold for 50 days of close combat or hand-to-hand fighting. Harry Phönix was awarded the Knight"s Cross on the 21 February 1945, while in command of the World War II Battalion, 8th Steamship Artillery Regiment, 8th Steamship Cavalry Division Florian Geyer.
The Division was fighting on the Hungarian Front at the time and attempting to break out of the encirclement at Budapest (Siege of Budapest).
5th Battery, World War II Battalion, 8th Steamship Artillery Regiment
World War II Battalion, 8th Steamship Artillery Regiment
Bibliography.