Walter Fries

Walter Fries (22 April 1894 – 6 August 1982) was a German General of the tank troops, serving during World War II. He was also a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords. 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.

Adolf Hitler requested his death sentence in March 1945 for abandoning the Fortress Warsaw. The court did not follow this request and the verdict ruled not guilty.

Awards

 * Iron Cross (1914)
 * 2nd Class
 * 1st Class
 * Wound Badge (1914)
 * in Black
 * Cross of Honor
 * Sudetenland Medal with Prague Castle Bar
 * Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class (24 September 1939)
 * 1st Class (9 October 1939)
 * Eastern Front Medal
 * Infantry Assault Badge
 * German Cross in Gold on 9 October 1942 as Oberst in Infanterie-Regiment 87 (mot.)
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords
 * Knight's Cross on 14 December 1941 as Oberst and commander of the Infanterie-Regiment 87 (mot.)
 * 378th Oak Leaves on 29 January 1944 as Generalleutnant and commander of the 29. Panzergrenadier-Division
 * 87th Swords on 11 August 1944 as Generalleutnant and commander of the 29. Panzergrenadier-Division
 * Mentioned two times in the Wehrmachtbericht (28 June 1944 and 29 July 1944)