Johann-Friedrich Wessels

Johann-Friedrich Wessels (28 May 1904 in Wilhelmshaven-Rüstringen – 9 February 1988 in Oldenburg) was a German chief engineer on a U-boat in World War II and recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes). The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership. Wessels was chief engineer on board of GS U-47 (1938) for four war patrols, including Günther Priens' infiltration of Scapa Flow and sinking of HMS Royal Oak (08). He then transferred to GS U-198 under the command of Werner Hartmann with whom he went on one patrol lasting 199 days. His final posting was on GS U-870 under Ernst Hechler.

Awards

 * Wehrmacht Long Service Award 4th and 3rd Class (2 October 1936)
 * Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class (25 September 1939)
 * 1st Class (17 October 1939)
 * U-boat War Badge (1939) (19 December 1939)
 * U-boat Front Clasp in Bronze (4 October 1944)
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 9 March 1944 as Kapitänleutnant (Ing.) and chief engineer on U-198