Gustav Ponath (27 February 1898 – 14 April 1941) was a highly decorated Oberst in the Wehrmacht during World War II. 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. Gustav Ponath was killed in action near Tobruk, Libya by Australian troops during the Siege of Tobruk.