Ernst Stäudle was an Obersturmführer (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. Ernst Stäudle, was awarded the Knight's Cross in April 1942, while serving as an Oberscharfuhrer (Staff Sergeant) in the 8th battery, 3rd SS Artillery Regiment, SS Division Totenkopf on the Russian front (Eastern Front).