Allegiance Nazi Germany Battles/wars World War II Role SS officer Service/branch Waffen-SS | Years of service 1940–45 Name Heinrich Debus Battles and wars World War II Rank Hauptsturmfuhrer | |
Awards Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross
German Cross in Gold
Iron Cross 1st Class
Iron Cross 2nd Class
Close Combat Clasp in Bronze
Panzer Badge in Silver Died March 5, 1996, Biedenkopf, Germany Unit 5th SS Panzer Division Wiking | ||
Heinrich Debus (30 June 1921 — 5 March 1996) was a Hauptsturmfuhrer (captain) in the Waffen-SS during World War II who 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.
Heinrich Debus was born on the 30 June 1921 in Eckelshausen. He volunteered to join the SS in June 1940 (SS number 316.063) and was promoted to Unterscharfuhrer (corporal) in January 1941.
He was selected to become an officer and posted to the SS-Junkerschule Bad Tolz between November 1941 and April 1942. After graduation and promotion to Untersturmfuhrer (second lieutenant), he was posted to the SS Division Wiking in June 1942.
He was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd class in August 1942 and the 1st class in February 1943. He was awarded the Knight's Cross while second in command of the 5th SS Reconnaissance Battalion in May 1944.
Debus survived the war and died on 5 March 1996.