Günter Kuhnke
Günter Kuhnke was a German submarine commander during World War II and later a Konteradmiral with the Bundesmarine, West Germany's navy. He was a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross of Nazi Germany.
Career
Kuhnke commanded the, and, sinking eleven ships on nine patrols, for a total of of Allied shipping plus the special service vessel HMS Prunella. He commanded 10th U-boat Flotilla from January 1942 until October 1944, then 33rd U-boat Flotilla until May 1945.Kuhnke joined Bundesmarine in 1955. commanded the destroyer Z-2 (D171) from 14 July 1959 until 15 November 1960. In 1966, he was promoted to Konteradmiral in 1966. Kuhnke retired from service in September 1972.
Awards
- Wehrmacht Long Service Award, 4th class
- Iron Cross
- * 2nd Class
- * 1st Class
- War Merit Cross 2nd Class with Swords
- Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 19 September 1940 as Kapitänleutnant and commander of U-28
- Grand Cross of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany
- Grand Merit Cross with Star of the Federal Republic of Germany