Josef Lainer (13 March 1920 – 4 September 2002) was a Hauptscharführer (master sergeant) in the Waffen-SS during World War II who was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, to recognize extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership by Nazi Germany during World War II. He was also awarded the very rare Close Combat Clasp in Gold, one of only 631 awards. Near the end of the war, he twice escaped from captivity.