Distinguished German-American of the Year™
To help promote the accomplishments of German-Americans the GAHF has presented the Distinguished German-American of the Year award at an annual gala since 1987. The Distinguished German-American of the Year Award provides national recognition for outstanding leadership and achievement of an American of German-speaking ancestry in business, the arts, education, science, politics and society.
Past Recipients
- Ambassador William R. Timken Jr., (Ret.) 2009
- Dr. Jesco von Puttkamer, 2008
- Wilma L. Schmidt, 2008
- Margrit B. Krewson, 2007
- General and Mrs. H. Norman Schwarzkopf, 2006
- Dr. Günter Blobel, 2005
- Mr. Al Wurz, 2004
- Mr. Walter Brand 2003 †
Mrs. Maria Brand 2003 - Dr. Don Heinrich Tolzmann, 2002
- Mr. Ted Hierl, 2001
- Mr. John Patrick Schmitz, Esq, 2000 †
- Mr. C. John Muller, 1999 †
- Dr. Otto Walter, 1998 †
- Mr. Gerald R. Kainz, 1997
- Mr. Bruno Karnas, 1996
- Honorable William Hetzler, 1995
- Ms. Doris Meissner, 1994
- Dr. George J. Beichl, 1993
- Mr. Heinz Prechter, 1992†
- Mr. Albrecht Maier, 1991
- Mr. Eric Braeden, 1990
- Mr. Werner Fricker, 1989†
- Honorable Ruth E. Denk, 1988
- Mr. Karl Ehmer, 1987†