Allegiance Nazi Germany Unit 36. Minensuchflottille Name Georg-Wolfgang Feller Service/branch Kriegsmarine | Years of service 1939–45 Battles/wars World War II Battles and wars World War II | |
Born 9 July 1915
Schoneberg, Germany ( 1915-07-09 ) Rank Oberleutnant zur See der Reserve Died March 23, 1991, Cologne, Germany | ||
Wolfgang Feller (9 July 1915 – 23 March 1991) was an Oberleutnant zur See of the Reserves, in the German navy during World War II. He is noted for being the last soldier, sailor or serviceman to receive the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes). The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership.
Grosadmiral Karl Donitz had ordered a cease of all promotions and awards as of 11 May 1945. Nevertheless, a number of Knight's Crosses were awarded after this date and must therefore be considered "illegal" hand-outs. The Oberbefehlshaber der Kriegsmarine General-Admiral Walter Warzecha, successor of General-Admiral Hans-Georg von Friedeburg, without authorization presented Georg-Wolfgang Feller the Knight's Cross on 17 June 1945.
Feller, group leader in the 36. Minensuchflottille, was awarded the Knight's Cross for clearing the eastern Baltic Sea from mines thus ensuring the safe passage of many returning German ships.