Fritz Gustav Backhauss (9 February 1915 – 7 March 1971) was a highly decorated Major in the Wehrmacht during World War II and an Oberstleutnant in the Bundeswehr. He was also a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership. Fritz Backhauss was captured by American troops in May 1945 and was released in June 1945.