Gerhard Behnke

Gerhard Wilhelm Behnke (23 December 1910 – 9 May 1962) was a highly decorated Major in the Wehrmacht during World War II and an Oberst 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. Gerhard Behnke was captured by British troops in May 1945 and was released within the year. He later joined the Bundeswehr and served until his death in 1962

Awards and decorations

 * Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class (25 July 1941)
 * 1st Class (12 August 1941)
 * Wound Badge (1939)
 * in Black (17 August 1941)
 * in Silver (15 September 1941)
 * in Gold (6 July 1943)
 * General Assault Badge (11 October 1941)
 * Infantry Assault Badge in Silver (15 October 1944)
 * Eastern Front Medal (5 September 1942)
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves
 * Knight's Cross on 8 February 1943 as Hauptmann and commander of Sturmgeschütz-Abteilung 203
 * 605th Oak Leaves on 4 October 1944 as Major and commander of Sturmgeschütz-Brigade 322
 * Mentioned in the Wehrmachtbericht (27 August 1944)