Published in „Siegrunen“ Magazine – Volume XII, Number 1, Whole Number 69,
Summer 2000
by William P. Harriman
The Nahkampfspange (Close Combat Clasp) decoration was instituted on 25 November 1942, to honour soldiers who had engaged in several days of close or hand-to-hand combat with the enemy without the benefit of armoured support. It came in three versions to be awarded upon completion of minimum of days in close combat as follows: Bronze (15 days), Silver (30 days), Gold (50 days). The award was made retroactive to the start of the Russian Campaign in June 1941.
The Nahkampfspange in Gold was considered to be the highest infantry decoration short of the Knight’s Cross to be awarded to infantrymen, and the commander-in-chief (Adolf Hitler), had the right to bestow this personally upon recipients, (see the back cover photo). Of the 585 total awards of the Nahkampfspange in Gold, at least 109 (and probably 110), were made to members of the Waffen-SS. So the Waffen-SS which constituted less than 10% of the German Armed Forces, received 18 1/2 % of these awards! The following is as complete a listing of Waffen-SS Nahkampfspange in Gold recipients as has yet been compiled. Virtually all of these soldiers had already been decorated with the first two classes of the Iron Cross. Other prominent decorations will be noted with these abbreviations: Deutsches Kreuz im Gold (DKG); Ehrenblattspange (ES); Ritterkreuz (RK). The recipients will be listed in alphabetical order with birth date, award date, command position, other awards and combat unit.
Waffen-SS Nahkampfspange in Gold Recipients
Auer, Karl, Stubaf. (20.10.16): 2.3.45. Btl.Co. (KC); SS-FEB 4/4.SS „Polizei“ Division.
Bachler, Franz, Uscha. (21.10.23): 2.9.44. Squad Leader. (DKG); SS- Pz.Pi.Btl.5/5.SS-Div. „Wiking“.
Bauer, Gerhard, Uscha. (23.1.24): 2.6.44. Squad Leader. SS- Pz.Gr.Rgt.2/1.SS Div. „LSSAH“.
Becker, Ernst, Oscha. (14.5.18): 15.2.44. Platoon Leader. Staff Co./SS-Pz.Gr.Rgt.9/5.SS Div. „Wiking“.
Beier, Hans. Oscha. (1.9.21): 3.1.45. Platoon Leader. 4./SS- Pz.Gr.Rgt.5/3.SS Div. „Totenkopf“.p
Boosfeld, Joachim, Ostuf. (1.6.22): 21.2.45. Squadron CO. RK. 4./SS- Kav.Rgt.16/8.SS-Div. „Florian Geyer“.
Boscheinen, Horst, Uscha. (5.12.19): 18.1.45. Squad Leader. Staff Co./SS-Pz.Gr.Rgt.5/3.SS-Div. „Totenkopf“.
Bucher, Maximilian, Hscha. (17.1.17): ?. Platoon Leader. DKG. 3./SS-Schützen Btl.6/6.SS-Div. „Nord“.
Buchner, Hermann, Hstuf. (16.1.17): 17.10.43. Btl.CO. DKG.RK. lll./SS-Pz.Gr.Rgt.5/3.SS-Div. „Totenkopf“.
Buck, Friedrich, Oscha. (30.1.22): 27.1.45. Squadron CO. RK. 5./SS- Kav.Rgt.18/8.SS-Div. „Florian Geyer“.
Büch, Helmut, Hscha. (14.10.19): 14.11.44. Platoon Leader. DKG. 15./SS-Pz.Gr.Rgt.15/3.SS-Div. „Totenkopf“.
Degrelle, Leon, Stubaf. (15.6.06): 14.9.44. Brigade CO. RK.EL.DKG. SS-Frei.Brigade „Wallonien“. He had 75 close combat days!
Dinse, Otto, Hstuf. (24.10.12): 12.6.44. Company CO. SS-Pz.Gr.Rgt.2/1 .SS-Div. „LSSAH“.
Düssei, Fritz, Oscha. (20.10.21): 13.10.44. Platoon leader. DKG. 12,/SS-Pz.Gr.Rgt.5/3.SS-Div. „Totenkopf“.
Eckert, Fritz, Stubaf. (20.3.14): 22.11.44. Btl.Co. DKG.ES. II./SS- Pz.Gr.Rgt.6/3.SS-Div. „Totenkopf“.
Eckert, Hans, Ostuf. (1.6.16): 20.4.44. Btl.Co. DKG.RK. II./SS- Pz.Gr.Rgt.3/2.SS-Div. „Das Reich“.
Ehm, Ewald, Ustuf. (30.12.19): 7.5.45. Platoon Leader. DKG. 16./SS- Pz.Gr.Rgt.3/2.SS-Div. „Das Reich“.
Exinger, August, Oscha. (10.6.21): 1.5.44. Platoon Leader. DKG. 7./SS-Pz.Gr.Rgt.4/2.SS-Div. „Das Reich“.
Fehlhaber, Erwin, Ustuf. (27.7.11): 6.3.45. Platoon Leader. DKG. 12./SS-Pz.Gr.Rgt.6/3.SS-Div. „Totenkopf“.
Franke, Kurt, Ostuf. (13.6.13): 6.3.45. Company CO. DKG.RK. 11./SS- Pz.Gr.Rgt.6/3.SS-Div. „Totenkopf“.
Friedhoff, Siegfired, Oscha. (25.11.20): 2.6.44. Orderly Officer. DKG. ll./SS-Pz.Gr.Rgt.2/1 .SS-Div. „LSSAH“.
Gelbert, Wilhelm, Uscha. (10.4.24): 28.2.45. Scout Troop Leader. DKG. 2./SS-PZ.A.A.1/1 .SS-Div. „LSSAH“.
Gödel, Whilhelm, Uscha. (29.10.20): 1.1.44. Squad Leader. 5./SS- Pz.Gr.Rgt.9/5.SS-Div. „Wiking“.
Golbs, Herbert, Oscha. (?): ?. Squad Leader. 16./SS-Pz.Gr.Rgt.19/9.SS-Div. „Hohenstuafen“.
Grabner, Franz, Uscha. (23.6.21): 1.4.44. Squad Leader. 11./SS- Pz.Gr.Rgt.4/2.SS-Div. „Das Reich“.
Hack, Franz, Ostubaf. (3.2.15): 1.5.45. Regimental CO. DKG.RK.EL. SS-Pz.Gr.Rgt.10/5.SS-Div. „Wiking“.
Hansen, Max, Ostubaf. (31.7.08): 12.3.45. Regimental CO. DKG.RK.EL.SWORDS. SS-Pz.Gr.Rgt.1/1 .SS-Div.“LSSAH“.
Harnack, Martin, Ostuf. (28.2.21): 10.2.45. Company CO. DKG. 1./SS- Pz.Gr.Rgt.8/4.SS-“Polizei“ Div.
Herberth, Willi, Oscha. (7.3.23): ?. Platoon Leader. 16./SS- Pz.Gr.Rgt.6/3.SS-Div. „Totenkopf“.
Hermann, Adolf, Oscha. (2.7.19): 1.1.44. Company CO. DKG. 5./SS-Pz.Gr.Rgt.9/5.SS-Div. „Wiking“.
Herrmann, Kurt, Ostuf. (22.10.19): 1.3.44. Company CO. DKG. 7./SS-Pz.Gr.Rgt.6/3.SS-Div. „Totenkopf“.
Hilber, Emil, Hstuf. (3.1.21): 2.5.45. Company OO. DKG. 14./SS- Pz.Gr.Rgt. 3/2.SS-Div. „Das Reich“.
Above: Leon Degrelle, as commander of the immortal 28. SS Division „Wallonien“ and one of the greatest soldiers and leaders of any era, wearing the Nahkampfspange in Gold on his left breast
Hille, Alfred, Oscha. (10.10.20): 15.3.45. Signals Platoon Leader. DKG. lll./SS-Pz.Gr.Rgt.6/3.SS-Div. „Totenkopf“.
Hinz, Bruno, Ostuf. (25.8.15): 5.9.44. Company CO. DKG.RK.EL. 2./SS-Pz.Gr.Rgt.10/5.SS-Div. „Wiking“.
Hinz, Gustav, Hscha. (15.6.19): 17.2.45. Platoon Leader. DKG. 8./SS- Pz.Gr.Rgt.1/1.SS-Div. „LSSAH“.
Holzer, Friedrich, Hstuf. (13.5.12): ?. Company CO. DKG.RK. II./SS- Pz.Gr.Rgt.4/2.SS-Div. „Das Reich“.
Homolka, Franz, Uscha. (21.12.21): 28.1.45. Platoon Leader. DKG. 1 ./SS-Pz.Gr.Rgt.9/5.SS-Div. „Wiking“.
Huber, Johann, Uscha. (29.6.23): 21.8.44. Squad Leader. 12./SS- Pz.Gr.Rgt.5/3.SS-Div. „Totenkopf“.
Jira, Karl, Ostuf. (17.7.16): 4.12.43. Company CO. DKG. 3./SS- Pz.A.A.5/5.SS-Div. „Wiking“.
Joachim, Georg, Oscha. (26.10.19): 4.11.44. Company CO. DKG. 7./SS-Pz.Gr.Rgt.6/3.SS-Div. „Totenkopf“.
Juchem, Hans. Hstuf. (4.6.17): 10.8.43. Btl.CO. DKG.RK. III./SS-Pz.Gr.Rgt.9/5.SS-Div. „Wiking“.
Kachel, Georg, Rttfhr. (16.7.20): 15.11.43. Squad Leader. 15./SS- Pz.Gr.Rgt.4/2.SS-Div. „Das Reich“.
Kämpfe, Helmut, Stubaf. (31.7.09): ?. Btl.CO. DKG.RK. III./SS- Pz.Gr.Rgt.4/2.SS-Div. „Das Reich“.
Kaiser, Vinzenz, Hstuf. (28.2.04): ?. Btl.CO. DKG.RK.EL. III./SS- Pz.Gr.Rgt.4/2.SS-Div. „Das Reich“.
Karowski, Hans, Oscha. (19.5.20): 12.08.44. Platoon Leader. 3./SS- Pz.Gr.Rgt.5/3.SS-Div. „Totenkopf“.
Kindler, Werner, Uscha. (15.7.22): 1.4.45. Squad Leader. DKG. 12./SS-Pz.Gr.Rgt.2/1 .SS-Div. „LSSAH“.Knittel, Gustav, Stubaf. (27.11.14): 13.10.44. Btl.CO. DKG.RK. SS- Pz.A.A.1/1 .SS-Div.“LSSAH“.
Knobloch, Rudi, Hscha. (23.9.19): 1.4.45. Platoon Leader. 10./SS- Pz.Gr.Rgt.2/1 .SS-Div. „LSSAH“.
König, Lambert, Uscha. (4.9.19): 22.11.44. Squad Leader. 9./SS- Pz.Gr.Rgt.5/3.SS-Div. „Totenkopf“.
König, Ludwig, Rttfhr. (18.7.24): 6.3.45. Messenger. Staff/lll./SS- Pz.Gr.Rgt.5/3.SS-Div. „Totenkopf’.
Lainer, Josef, Hscha. (13.3.20): 15.10.43. Platoon Leader. RK. 3./SS- Pz.Gr.Rgt.4/2.SS-Div. „Das Reich”.
Lauchstadt, Edmund, Rttfhr. (12.4.24): 3.1.45. Squad Leader. 1./SS- Pz.Gr.Rgt.5/3.SS-Div. „Totenkopf“.
Lith, Willi, Uscha. (30.9.23): 6.3.45. Company Troop Leader. 9./SS- Pz.Gr.Rgt.6/3.SS-Div. „Totenkopf“.
Lohrum, Ludwig, Uscha. (26.3.22): 12.8.44. Squad Leader. DKG. 12./SS-Pz.Gr.Rgt.6/3.SS-Div. „Totenkopf“.
Loose, Wolfgang, Ostuf. (16.2.16): 13.3.45. Btl.Adjutant(?).
Staff/l./SS-Pz.Gr.Rgt.3/2.SS-Div. „Das Reich“.
Macher, Heinz, Ostuf. (31.12.19): 23.10.44. Company CO. KG.RK.EL. 16./SS-Pz.Gr.Rgt.3/2.SS-Div. „Das Reich“.
Maringgele, Hermann, Hscha. (29.11.11): 21.2.45. Company CO. DKG.RK. 2./SS-Kav.Rgt.15/8.SS-Div. „Florian Geyer“. Maringgele recorded 84 close combat days, the highest number known!
Mees, Alfred, Rttfhr. (19.1.24): 31.10.44. ?. 3./SS-Pz.Pi.Btl.5/5.SS-Div. „Wiking“.
Metz, Werner, Ostuf. (4.10.20): 2.10.44. Company CO. 1./SS- Pz.Pi.Btl.5/5.SS-Div. „Wiking“.
Meyer, Werner, Ostuf. (18.9.19): 12.4.45. Company CO. DKG.RK. I. /SS-Pz.Gr.Rgt.9/5.SS-Div. „Wiking“.
Micheie, Rudolf, Sturmann. (5.5.23): 21.8.44. ?. 10./SS-Pz.Gr.Rgt.6/3.SS-Div. „Totenkopf“.
Müllenbach, Gerd, Oscha. (9.1.22): 31.10.44. Platoon Leader. 1./SS- Pz.Pi.Btl.5/5.SS-Div. „Wiking“.
Müller, Arnold, Oscha. (18.7.23): 18.11.44. Platoon Leader. SS- Pz.Pi.Btl.5/5.SS-Div. „Wiking“.
Müller, Heinz, Hstuf. (6.12.12): 6.3.45. Btl.CO. DKG.RK. III./SS- Pz.Gr.Rgt.6/3.SS-Div. „Totenkopf“.
Obermeier, Josef, Ustuf. (7.11.19): 30.12.43. Company CO. DKG.ES. I./SS-Pz.Gr.Rgt.5/3.SS-Div. „Totenkopf“.
Olf, Alfred, Oscha. (8.4.19): 1.4.44. Platoon Leader. 9./SS- Pz.Gr.Rgt.4/2.SS Div. „Das Reich“.
Ottmann, Werner, Hstuf. (15.1.19): 4.45. Btl. Co. DKG. SS-Pz.Gr.Btl. 506/6.SS-Div. „Nord“.
Papp, Soltan, Uscha. (18.7.13): 28.1.45. Squad Leader. 1./SS- Pz.Gr.Rgt.9/5.SS-Div. „Wiking“.
Peichl, Adolf, Hscha. (8.12.17): 26.10.43. Platoon Leader. DKG.RK. 12./SS-Pz.Gr.Rgt.4/2.SS-Div. „Das Reich“.
Phönix, Harry, Hstuf. (13.1.19): 21.2.45. Detachment CO. DKG.RK. fl./SS-Art.Rgt.8/8.SS-Div. „Florian Geyer“.
Pöhler, Gerhard, Oscha. (2.4.20): 16.2.45. Platoon Leader. DKG. 2./SS-Pz.A.A.4/4.SS-“Polizei“ Div.
Pösch, Hermann, Uscha. (16.1.23): 8.8.43. Squad Leader. 9./SS- Pz.Gr.Rgt.4/2.SS-Div. „Das Reich“.
Above: SS-Ostubaf. Günter-Eberhardt Wisliceny, (CO SS-Pz.Gr.Rgt.3 „Deutschiand“/“Das Reich“ Division), wearing the Nahkampspange in Gold as is the unidentified SS-Ostuf. to his left
Porsch, Frithjof-Elmo, Ustuf. (19.10.24): 8.8.43. Company CO. RK. SS-Pz.Jagd.Co. „Dora II“.
Preuss, Georg, Hstuf. (24.4.20): 1.4.45. Btl.CO. DKG.RK. III./SS- Pz.Gr.Rgt.2/1 .SS-Div. „LSSAH“.
Raith, Alois, Uscha. (5.5.20): 16.2.45. Squad Leader. SS-Pz.A.A.4/4.SS-,,Polizei“ Dlv.
Rappel, Ludwig, Hscha. (28.1.21): 31.10.44. Platoon Leader. DKG. Staff Co./SS-Pz.Pi.Btl.5/5.SS-Div. „Wiking“.
Rink, Herbert, Ostuf. (13.11.19): 17.2.45. Company CO. DKG. 2./SS- Pz.Gr.Rgt.1/1.SS-Div. „LSSAH“.
Rock, Willi, Oscha. (6.12.22): 2.10.44. Platoon Leader. 3./SS- Pz.Pi.Btl.5/5.SS-Div. „Wiking“.
Roll, Wilhelm, Rttfhr. (23.10.24): 6.3.45. Messenger. Staff/lll./SS- Pz.Gr.Rgt.5/3.SS-Div. „Totenkopf“.
Rogmann, Willi, Uscha. (5.4.23): 2.6.44. Squad Leader. DKG. SS- Pz.Gr.Rgt.2/1 .SS-Div. „LSSAH“.
Rüffert, Hans, Hscha. (2.2.15): 15.12.43. Platoon Leader. DKG. 2./SS- Pz.Pi.Btl.2/2.SS-Div. „Das Reich“.
Schade, Engelbert, Oscha. (23.10.12): 6.3.45. Btl.Adjutant. DKG. ill./SS-Pz.Gr.Rgt.6/3.SS-Div. „Totenkopf“.
Schasche, Willi, Ustuf. (6.1.21): 21.8.44. Platoon Leader. DKG. 3./SS-Pz.A.A.3/3.SS-Div. „Totenkopf“.
Schiedl, Walter, Uscha. (6.3.21): 21.8.44. Platoon Leader. DKG. 3./SS-Pz.Gr.Rgt.5/3.SS-Div. „Totenkopf“.
Schmidinger, Karl, Rttfhr. (28.1.25): 21.8.44. ?. DKG. 11./SS- Pz.Gr.Rgt.6/3.SS-Div. „Totenkopf“.
Schmidt, Walter, Oscha. (6.3.21): ?. Platoon Leader. 3./SS- Pz.A.A.3/3.SS-Div. „Totenkopf“.
Schreiber, Gustav, Hscha. (25.12.16): 7.12.43. Platoon Leader. DKG.RK. 7./SS-Pz.Gr.Rgt.9/5.SS-Div. „Wiking“.
Schreiber, Helmuth, Stubaf. (25.3.17): 24.5.44. Btl.CO. DKG.RK. SS- Pz.Gr.Rgt.3/2.SS-Div. „Das Reich“.
Schulze, Herbert, Stubaf. (1.4.14): 9.11.43. Btl.CO. DKG.RK. II./SS- Pz.Gr.Rgt.4/2.SS-Div. „Das Reich“.
Schulzer, Johann, Ostuf. (31.5.18): 20.11.43. Company CO. DKG.ES. 5./SS-Pz.Gr.Rgt.4/2.SS-Div. „Das Reich“.
Seebach, Walter, Ostuf. (5.11.21): 16.3.44. Company CO. RK. 5./SS- Pz.Gr.Rgt.24/11. SS-Div. „Nordland“.
Sievers, Franz, Ostuf. (25.2.15): ?. Company CO. ES. 3./SS- Pi.Pz.Btl.1/1 .SS-Div. „LSSAH“.
Stadler, Silvester, Ostubaf. (30.12.10): 12.12.43. Regimental CO. RK.EL.SWORDS. SS-Pz.Gr.Rgt.4/2.SS-Div.“Das Reich“.
Stanek, Horst, Rttfhr. (8.7.24): 6.3.45. Radioman. Staff/lll./SS- Pz.Gr.Rgt.5/3.SS-Div. „Totenkopf“.
Steinhoff, Horst, Ustuf. (12.3.20): 1.4.45. Company CO. DKG. 5./SS- Pz.Gr.Rgt.2/1. SS-Div. „LSSAH“.
Stienen, Peter, Hstuf. (21.2.11): 19.11.44. Btl. CO. DKG. I./SS- Pz.Gr.Rgt.5/3.SS-Div. „Totenkopf“.
Ternedde, Rudolf, Stubaf. (26.10.15): 23.4.45. Regimental CO. DKG.ES. SS-Pz.Gr.Rgt.24/11.SS-Div. „Nordland“.
Theismann, Günter, Oscha. (11.6.20): 1.1.44. Platoon Leader. DKG. 7./SS-Pz.Gr.Rgt.9/5.SS-Div. „Wiking“.
Timm, Peter W., Ustuf. (?): 1944. ?. SS-Fallschirmjäger Btl. 500. Viehmann, Karl, Oscha. (?): 3.4.45. Platoon Leader. 14./SS- Pz.Gr.Rgt.23/11 .SS-Div. „Nordland“.
Weck, Julius, Ostuf. (11.4.13): 21.8.44. Company CO. DKG. 2./SS- Pz.Pi.Btl.5/5.SS-Div. „Wiking“.
Weisser, Hans, Ustuf. (5.9.20): 4.11.44. Platoon Leader. DKG. 7./SS- Pz.Gr.Rgt.6/3.SS-Div. „Totenkopf“.
Werner, Heinz, Stubaf. (2.12.17): ?. Btl.CO. DKG.RK.EL. III./SS- Pz.Gr.Rgt.4/2.SS-Div. „Das Reich“.
Wettstein, Willi, Hscha. (9.1.21): ?. Platoon Leader. SS-Pz.Gr.Rgt.23/11 .SS-Div. „Nordland“.
Winters, Karl, Oscha. (18.10.21): 27.1.45. Platoon Leader. DKG. Staff Co./SS-Pz.Gr.5/3.SS-Div. „Totenkopf“.
Wisliceny, Günther-Eberhardt, Ostubaf. (5.9.12): 31.3.45. Regimental CO. DKG.RK.EL.SWORDS. SS-Pz.Gr.Rgt.3/2.SS-Div. „Das Reich“. Zander, Willi, Uscha. (2.5.23): 28.2.45. Squad Leader. SS- Pz.A.A.1/1 .SS-Div. „LSSAH“.
Zielke, Heinrich, Hstuf. (22.5.16): 10.5.44. Btl.CO. DKG. III./SS- Pz.Gr.Rgt.5/3.SS-Div. „Totenkopf“.
ADDITIONAL: Mayer, Karl, Oscha. (14.3.22): 1.12.43. Platoon Leader. SS-Pz.Gr.Rgt. 4/2.SS-Div.“Das Reich“.
Nahkampspange Breakdown by Unit
„LSSAH“: 15, „Das Reich“: 24, „Totenkopf“: 32, „Polizei“: 4, „Wiking“: 20, „Nord“: 4, „Florian Geyer“: 4, „Hohenstaufen“: 1, „Nordland“: 4, „Wallonien“: 1, SS-Fallschirmjäger Btl. 500: 1, SS- Pz.Jagd.Company „Dora II“: 1.
Above: SS-Ostuf. Willi Hund, who should have been a bearer of the Nahkampfspange in Gold if he wasn’t.
Manfred Dörr in his book DIE TRÄGER DER NAHKAMPFSPANGE IN GOLD (3rd Edition, 1988), listed 109 soldiers of the Waffen-SS and one Polizei member who earned this rare and prestigious combat decoration. Based upon my recent research, I believe that I have discovered another Waffen-SS combatant, (also a Knight’s Cross Holder), who might have (should have!) also won this decoration. This soldier was SS-Ostuf. Willi Hund. On page 867 of Krätschmer’s classic book DIE RITTERKREUZTRÄGER DER WAFFEN-SS, (3rd Edition, 1982), there is a brief military biography of SS-Ostuf. Willi Hund who served as a company commander within the SS-Pz.Gr.Rgt.23 „Norge“ of the 11.SS- Pz.Gr.Div. „Nordland“. The article dearly states that by the end of the war, Hund had accumulated 64 close combat days. If this information is true, Ostuf. Hund should be confirmed as being the 110th Waffen-SS soldier to have at least been eligible to receive the Nahkampfspange in Gold. However I have not been able to find any additional information that would verify or support Hund’s receipt of this decoration. He was however awarded the Honour Roll Clasp on 17 Dec. 1944, while commanding 7th Company in SS Rgt. „Norge“. Hund was born on 23 Feb. 1923 in Wiesbaden. While one source indicates that he fell in the battle for Berlin, others suggest that he survived the war.
Selected References
Dorr, Manfred. DIE TRÄGER DER NAHKAMPFSPANGE IN GOLD; HEER, LUFTWAFFE,WAFFEN-SS (3rd Edition, 1988).
Krätschmer, E.G. DIE RITTERKREUZTRÄGER DER WAFFEN-SS. Sheibert, Horst. DIE TRÄGER DER EHRENBLATTSPANGE...
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