Erich Lorenz

Erich Lorenz (31 August 1905 – 10 December 1984) was a highly decorated Oberst der Reserve in the Wehrmacht  who commanded the ''85. Infanterie-Division'' during World War II. He was also a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves. The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross and its higher grade Oak Leaves was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership. He was also awarded the very rare Close Combat Clasp in Gold, one of only 631 such decorations.

Awards and decorations

 * Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class (25 August 1941)
 * 1st Class (26 September 1941)
 * Wound Badge (1939)
 * in Black
 * in Silver
 * in Gold
 * Close Combat Clasp
 * in Bronze (?)
 * in Silver (1 May 1944)
 * in Gold (12 March 1945)
 * Infantry Assault Badge
 * Eastern Front Medal
 * 2 Tank Destruction Badges for Individual Combatants
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves
 * Knight's Cross on 14 November 1943 as Major der Reserve and commander of Grenadier-Regiment 287
 * 467th Oak Leaves on 4 May 1944 as Oberstleutnant der Reserve and commander of Grenadier-Regiment 287