Willi Thulke

Willi Thulke (22 September 1916 – 4 September 1998) was a highly decorated Oberstleutnant in the Wehrmacht during World War II and an Oberstleutnant in the  Bundeswehr. 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.

Awards and decorations
While attending a regimental leadership training course his commanding officers had nominated Thulke for the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords in December 1943 for his exceptional combat successes. This request was denied in February 1945.
 * Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class (22 July 1941)
 * 1st Class (17 December 1941)
 * Wound Badge
 * in Black (?)
 * Eastern Front Medal (?)
 * Infantry Assault Badge (?)
 * Close Combat Clasp
 * in Bronze (?)
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves
 * Knight's Cross on 7 January 1943 as Oberleutnant der reserve and Chef 6. / Grenadier-Regiment 501
 * 424th Oak Leaves on 13 March 1944 as Hauptmann der Reserve and I. / Grenadier-Regiment 501