Willi Eßlinger was a Hauptscharführer in the Waffen SS during World War II who was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. This was awarded to recognize extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership by Nazi Germany during World War II. Hauptscharführer Willi Eßlinger was awarded the Knight's Cross in June 1943 while a platoon commander in the 3rd Battery, 5th SS Panzerjager Battalion, 5th SS Panzer Division Wiking.