Distinguished German-Americans
German-American Heritage Museum of the USA™

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1987 – 2019
Distinguished German-Americans
Every year, since 1987 the German-American Heritage Foundation of the USA® (GAHF) has recognized an American of German-speaking ancestry for outstanding leadership and achievements in business, the arts, education, science, politics and society. The Distinguished German-American of the Year™ Award is the only national honor of this kind.


Erich Ast
Entrepreneur and Philanthropist
Erich Ast of Pennsylvania is a long-time supporter, member of the Board of Directors, including his service as treasurer for almost a decade, and a generous benefactor.


Frederick H. W. Hansen
GAHF Board and Charter Member
Fred Hansen of New York is a charter member, and has been with GAHF since its inception in 1977. He has filled many different board positions including his role as long standing secretary.


Helmut Krüger
GAHF Co-Founder and Former Director
Helmut Krüger of New Jersey is one of the original co-founders of GAHF who promoted the organization all the way to the Reagan White House, and served as president and vice president in the early days.


Hank Stoffel
Former Pilot and VP for Northern California
Hank Stoffel of California, GAHF’s vice president and decades-long regional representative in Northern California, whose tireless commitment helped establish the foundation and its museum among the German-American community.


Peter Thiel
Entrepreneur, Investor and Thinker
Peter Thiel started PayPal in 1998, led it as CEO, and took it public in 2004. He also leads a number of companies and the Thiel Foundation.


Robert M. Hitt III
Secretary of Commerce, South Carolina.
Robert “Bobby” M. Hitt III was appointed by Governor Nikki Haley to serve as Secretary of Commerce in January 2011.


Philip F. Anschutz
This year’s awardee Mr. Philip F. Anschutz, not only represents the essence of the Distinguished German-American Award, but he also will be the first Volga-German descendant to receive this award.


Doug Oberhelman
CEO and Chairman of Caterpillar, Inc.
Oberhelman’s German roots are in Westphalia, and he received the award on October 29, 2015 at the National Press Club for his outstanding leadership of Caterpillar through accelerated business cycles and improved global manufacturing and operations.


Helge H. Wehmeier


Bern E. Deichmann
Previous recipients of the DISTINGUISHED GERMAN-AMERICAN OF THE YEAR™ Award
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Mr. Peter Thiel, CA & Germany2018
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Mr. Robert M. Hitt, SC2017
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Mr. Philip F. Anschutz, CO2016
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Mr. Doug Oberhelman, IL2015
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Mr. Helge H. Wehmeier, PA2014
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Mr. Bern E. Deichmann †, PA2013
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Chef Walter Staib, PA2012
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Mr. Robert B. Zoellick, MD2011
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Honorable Paul A. Volcker, NY2010
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Mr. William R. Timken, Jr. (Ambassador ret.), OH2009
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Mrs. Wilma L. Schmidt † (Posthumously), PA2008
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Dr. Jesco von Puttkamer †, VA2008
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Mrs. Margrit B. Krewson †, DC2007
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General H. Norman Schwarzkopf † & Mrs. Brenda Schwarzkopf, FL2006
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Dr. Günter Blobel, M.D., Ph.D., †, NY2005
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Mr. Albert Wurz, PA2004
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Mr. Walter Brand †, CA2003
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Dr. Don Heinrich Tolzmann, OH2002
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Mr. Detlef “Ted” Hierl †, NJ2001
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Mr. John Patrick Schmitz, Esq., DC2000
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Mr. C. John Muller †, PA1999
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Prof. Dr. Otto I. Walter, Esq. †, NY1998
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Mr. Gerald R. Kainz †, DC1997
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Mr. Bruno Karnas †, PA1996
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Mr. William Hetzler, NY1995
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Mrs. Doris Meissner, WI1994
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Dr. George J. Beichl †, PA1993
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Mr. Heinz C. Prechter †, MI1992
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Mr. Albrecht Maier, NJ1991
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Mr. Eric Braeden, CA1990
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Mr. Werner Fricker †, PA1989
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The Honorable Ruth E. Denk, NY1988
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Mr. Karl Ehmer †, NY1987