During World War II he was a highly decorated Gebirgsjäger and one of only 98 soldiers to have been awarded both the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross (German: Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) and Close Combat Clasp in Gold (Nahkampfspange in Gold). He was also awarded the Oak Leaves (Eichenlaub) to his Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. 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.
