During World War II he was awarded the Iron Cross medal 1st and 2nd level during the Battle of France in 1940 as part of the 13th Company , SS Infantry Regiment called Germania which was armed with small caliber artillery guns . During World War II he was awarded the Iron Cross I & II class during the Battle of France in 1940 as part of the 13th Company , SS Infantry Regiment Germania , which was armed with small caliber Artillery guns .