Hellmut Kerutt (19 August 1916 – 2 September 2000) was a highly decorated Major in the Fallschirmjäger during World War II and an Oberst 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. Hellmut Kerutt joined the Bundeswehr in 1956 and retired in 1974 as an Oberst.