Wilhelm Bleckwenn

Wilhelm Bleckwenn (21 October 1906 – 10 May 1989) was a highly decorated Generalmajor in the Wehrmacht during World War II who commanded several divisions. 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. Generalmajor Bleckwenn was awarded the Oak Leaves for his leadership after the collapse Army Group Centre. He led his regiment on a 44-day fighting retreat from the Dnieper to East Prussia. Wilhelm Bleckwenn was captured by British troops in 1945 and was held until 1947.

Awards and decorations

 * West Wall Medal (20 March 1940)
 * Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class (21 May 1940)
 * 1st Class (1 July 1940)
 * Infantry Assault Badge (1 July 1940)
 * Close Combat Clasp
 * in Bronze
 * in Silver
 * Wound Badge (1939)
 * in Black (10 September 1941)
 * in Silver (20 August 1943)
 * Eastern Front Medal (20 August 1942)
 * German Cross in Gold (14 April 1942)
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves
 * Knight's Cross on 6 April 1944 as Oberst and commander of Grenadier-Regiment 487
 * 621st Oak Leaves on 18 October 1944 as Oberst and commander of Grenadier-Regiment 487