Kurt Schumacher was an Obersturmfuhrer (First Lieutenant) in the Waffen SS during World War II who 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. Schumacher was awarded the Knights Cross in April 1944 while in command of the 3rd Company, 5th SS Panzer Regiment, 5th SS Panzer Division Wiking.