Josef Abel (soldier)

Josef Abel (3 January 1914 – 1 December 1984) was a highly decorated Oberleutnant der Reserve 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. Josef Abel was captured by American troops in April 1945 and was released in September 1945.

Awards and decorations

 * Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class (22 June 1940)
 * 1st Class (26 July 1941)
 * Wound Badge (1939)
 * in Black
 * in Silver (5 September 1942)
 * Infantry Assault Badge in Silver (22 July 1943)
 * Eastern Front Medal
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 23 November 1941 as Oberfeldwebel and platoon leader of the 7./Infanterie-Regiment 217