Allegiance Nazi Germany Battles/wars World War II Died August 1944 Service/branch Waffen-SS | Years of service 1936–44 Name Karl-Heinz Prinz Battles and wars World War II | |
Rank Sturmbannfuhrer (Major) Awards Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross
Iron Cross I Class
Iron Cross II Class
Panzer Badge in Silver
Eastern Front Medal
German Cross in Gold
Bulgarian Order of Bravery fourth class Unit 3rd SS Panzer Division Totenkopf | ||
Karl-Heinz Prinz (23 February 1914 — 14 August 1944) was a Sturmbannfuhrer (Major) 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 during World War II.
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Early life
Karl-Heinz Prinz was born on the 23 February 1914. He was one of the early volunteers to join the SS being selected to become an officer in 1936, and given the rank of Standartenjunker (Staff Sergeant). Upon graduation he was promoted to Untersturmfuhrer (Second Lieutenant) in April 1937, soon followed with promotion to Obersturmfuhrer (First Lieutenant) in November 1938.
World War II
By the start of World War II Prinz was the Adjutant of the 7 Standarte, SS Totenkopf, he was then transferred to the Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler Regiment and given command of a Panzerjager (tank hunter) platoon. For his actions in the fighting near Armentieres during the Battle of France, Prinz was awarded the Iron Cross II Class.
After the defeat of France, Prinz was next involved in Operation Marita, the invasion of the Balkans in 1941. In the campaign in Greece Prinz, by now in command of the Panzerjager Company played a role in the breakthrough at the Battle of the Klidi Pass (11 and 12 April). For the fighting in Greece Prinz was decorated with the Bulgarian Order of Bravery fourth class.
Prinz next took part in Operation Barbarossa, the invasion of the Soviet Union. Promoted to Hauptsturmfuhrer (Captain), he was awarded the Eastern Front Medal for service during the 1941/1942 winter of the war. He was transferred to the 12th SS Panzer Division Hitlerjugend when it was formed in 1943, and given command of the II. Battalion, 12th SS Panzer Regiment and promoted to Sturmbannfuhrer (Major) in June 1943.
Karl-Heinz and was awarded the Knight's Cross in July 1944. He was killed in action during the battle of Normandy on 14 August 1944, assaulting Point 159 just north of Falaise.