Maximilian Wengler

Maximilian Wengler (14 January 1890 – 25 April 1945) was a German Insurance broker, serving as a general during World War II and recipient of the coveted Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub und Schwertern). The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross and its higher grade Oak Leaves and Swords was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership.

Wengler took command of the 83. Infanterie-Division on 27 March 1945 in the area of Gotenhafen. The division, after escaping the encirclement of the city, fought its way to Oxhöfter Kämpe and Pillau-Neutief. Here Wengler and numerous men of his staff were killed by an aerial bomb on 25 April 1945. His wife had also been killed in the aerial bombardment of Dresden in early 1945.

Awards

 * Wound Badge in Silver
 * Infantry Assault Badge in Silver
 * Close Combat Clasp in Bronze
 * Military Order of St. Henry (Knights Cross, 15 October 1914)
 * Iron Cross (1914) 2nd and 1st Class
 * Clasp to the Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class (20 May 1940)
 * 1st Class (29 December 1940)
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords
 * Knight's Cross on 6 October 1942 as Oberstleutnant of the Reserves and commander of Infanterie-Regiment 366
 * 404th Oak Leaves on 22 February 1944 as Oberst of the Reserves and commander of Grenadier-Regiment 366
 * 123rd Swords on 21 January 1945 as Generalmajor of the Reserves and commander of the 227. Infanterie-Division
 * Mentioned in the Wehrmachtbericht on 3 August 1944