Gerd Ruge (17 August 1913 – 18 January 1997) was a highly decorated Oberst in the Wehrmacht during World War II. He was also a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves. 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. Gerd Ruge was captured by British troops in April 1945 and was released later that year. In 1956 he joined the Bundeswehr and retired in 1971 as an Oberst.