He became an "ace-in-a-day" again on 16 December 1942, which took his total to 43. On 25 December, Wiese claimed his 50th aerial victory. He was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross () on 5 January 1943 following his 53rd aerial victory. The presentation was made by "General der Flieger" (General of the Flyers) Günther Korten in Rossosh on the Eastern Front. Sources contradict themselves on the exact date of the presentation of the German Cross in Gold (). According to Thomas, Patzwall and Scherzer, the presentation was made on 5 December 1942. According to Obermaier and Stockert, the presentation occurred on 8 February 1943.