Hans-Jürgen Burmester (11 June 1916 – 22 September 1998) was a highly decorated Major in the Wehrmacht during World War II and an Oberst in the Bundeswehr. He was also a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership. Hans-Jürgen Burmester was captured by American troops in 1945. He joined the Bundeswehr in 1956, retiring in 1974.