Helmut Bechler

Helmut Bechler (2 June 1898 – 9 January 1971) was a highly decorated Generalmajor in the Wehrmacht during World War II who commanded the 85. Infanterie-Division. He was also a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership.

Awards and decorations

 * Iron Cross (1914)
 * 2nd Class (20 July 1916)
 * 1st Class (21 August 1918)
 * Wound Badge (1914)
 * in Black (30 September 1918)
 * Honour Cross of the World War 1914/1918 (5 March 1935)
 * Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class (14 May 1940)
 * 1st Class (8 June 1940)
 * Eastern Front Medal
 * Infantry Assault Badge (3 July 1944)
 * German Cross in Gold (19 December 1941)
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 26 March 1944 as Oberst and commander of Grenadier-Regiment 504
 * Mentioned in the Wehrmachtbericht (2 April 1944)