Harry Phönix

Harry Phönix was a Hauptsturmführer (Captain) in the Waffen-SS during World War II. He 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.

He was also one of only 631 men to be awarded the very rare Close Combat Clasp in Gold for 50 days of close combat or hand-to-hand fighting.

Harry Phönix was awarded the Knight's Cross on the 21 February 1945, while in command of the II. Battalion, 8th SS Artillery Regiment, 8th SS Cavalry Division Florian Geyer. The Division was fighting on the Hungarian Front at the time and attempting to break out of the encirclement at Budapest (Siege of Budapest)

Awards

• Close Combat Clasp in Gold on 21 February 1945 for at least 50 days in close combat
• German Cross in Gold on 16 January 1944 as SS-Obersturmführer in the 5./SS-Artillerie-Regiment
• Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 21 February 1945 as SS-Hauptsturmführer and commander of the II./SS-Artillerie-Regiment