Ernst Kruse (1 October 1915 - 15 October 1944) was a highly decorated Oberfähnrich 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. Ernst Kruse was killed on 15 October 1944 near Serock, Poland.