Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

July 21st, 1941

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

August 24th, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberwachtmeister

Unit:

Zugführer, Sturmgeschütz-Abteilung 244

Awarded on:

March 14th, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Leutnant der Reserve (2nd Lieutenant of Reserves)

Unit:

Führer, I. Abteilung, Sturmgeschütz-Brigade 244

Awarded on:

January 25th, 1945

On the night of the 22./23.12.1944 the 18. Volksgrenadier-Division found itself almost completely encircled by US forces in St. Vith. On this night it finally gave up the village and began to move through the narrow corridor to the west in order to escape total destruction. This retreat movement, hotly pursued by the enemy, was covered by the 1./Sturmgeschütz-Brigade 244. This unit, which had already destroyed numerous enemy tanks in the defensive battles for the village, held the enemy at a sufficient distance for the bulk of the Volksgrenadiers to escape. During this battle Haas was killed in action. However his contribution to the salvation of the 18. Volksgrenadier-Division was later recognized by his reception of the Knight’s Cross.