Heinz Gropp

Who was Heinz Gropp?

Heinz Gropp was an Obersturmführer in the Waffen-SS during World War II. He was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. This was awarded to recognize extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership by Nazi Germany during World War II.

Obersturmführer Heinz Gropp was awarded the Knight's Cross when in command of the 9th SS Flak Battalion on the 6 May 1945. There is some dispute over the award as it was authorised by Oberstgruppenführer Sepp Dietrich in his position as commander of the German Sixth SS Panzer Army, who claimed to have been given the authority by Adolf Hitler in person.