The SS Regiment Germania was used as the start of the new SS Division , 11th SS Volunteer Panzergrenadier Division Nordland and Karl was given command of the 11th SS Panzer Artillery Regiment being awarded the German Cross in Gold in August 1944 , and then the Knight 's Cross in December 1944 . The SS Regiment Germania was used as the basis for the new SS Division , 11th SS Volunteer Panzergrenadier Division Nordland and Karl was given command of the 11th SS Panzer Artillery Regiment , being awarded the German Cross in Gold in August 1944 , followed by the Knight 's Cross in December 1944 .