Ernst-Wilhelm Hoffmann

Ernst-Wilhelm Hoffmann (27 September 1904 – 27 August 1994) was a highly decorated Oberst in the Wehrmacht during World War II who was the last commander of the 4. Panzer-Division. 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

 * Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class
 * 1st Class
 * Eastern Front Medal
 * German Cross in Gold (8 February 1942)
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves
 * Knight's Cross on 4 September 1940 as Major and chief of 1./Schützen-Regiment 12
 * 494th Oak Leaves on 9 June 1944 as Oberstleutnant and commander of Panzergrenadier-Regiment 12