Hans-Gotthard Pestke

Hans-Gotthard Pestke (17 June 1914 – 30 April 2001) was a highly decorated Oberst in the Wehrmacht 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. Hans-Gotthard Pestke was captured by British troops in May 1945 and was released in 1947. In 1956 he joined the Bundeswehr and served until 1972.

Awards and decorations

 * Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class (14 October 1939)
 * 1st Class (11 July 1940)
 * Wound Badge
 * in Black
 * in Silver
 * 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 15 November 1941 as Oberleutnant and chief of 3./Infanterie-Regiment 176
 * 311th Oak Leaves on 14 October 1943 as Hauptmann and commander of I./Grenadier-Regiment 176
 * Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany