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. Rudolf Schlee was captured by Soviet forces in April 1945 and was held until 1947. Bibliography.
Wehrmacht Long Service Award 4th Class (4 April 1938) West Wall Medal (15 March 1940) Iron Cross (1939) 2nd Class (8 June 1940) 1st Class (3 August 1940) Infantry Assault Badge in Silver (25 August 1940) Eastern Front Medal (1 August 1942) Bulgarian Soldier Cross of Bravery III grade (17 March 1942) Wound Badge (1939) in Black (4 December 1942) Close Combat Clasp in Bronze Knight"s Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves Knight"s Cross on 18 September 1942 as Oberfeldwebel and Zugführer (platoon leader) in the 6./Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 13 222nd Oak Leaves on 6 April 1943 as Oberfeldwebel and Zugführer (platoon leader) in the 6./Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 13.
