Johannes Mayer

'''Dr. rer. pol. Dr.-Ing. Johannes Mayer''' (6 September 1893 – 7 August 1963) was a German General of the Infantry, serving during World War II. He was also a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub und Schwertern). The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross and its higher grade Oak Leaves and Swords was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership.

Military career
Mayer was born on 6 December 1893 in Stepenitz in the Province of Brandenburg, the son of a pastor. He attended the boarding school Pforta, where he graduated with his Abitur (diploma) as best of his class. He then started studying theology. With the outbreak of World War I he volunteered for military service and joined Infanterie-Regiment "Prinz Moritz von Anhalt-Dessau" Nr. 42. Throughout World War I he served with this regiment earning both classes the Iron Cross (Eisernes Kreuz).

Awards

 * Iron Cross (1914)
 * 2nd Class (24 August 1915)
 * 1st Class (16 December 1916)
 * Cross of Honor
 * Wehrmacht-Dienstauszeichnung 4th to 1st Class
 * Clasp to the Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class (6 June 1940)
 * 1st Class (9 June 1940)
 * Infantry Assault Badge in Silver
 * Eastern Front Medal
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords
 * Knight's Cross on 13 September 1941 as Oberst and commander of Infanterie-Regiment 501
 * 453rd Oak Leaves on 13 April 1944 as Generalleutnant and commander of the 329. Infanterie-Division
 * 89th Swords on 23 August 1944 as Generalleutnant and commander of the 329. Infanterie-Division
 * Mentioned in the Wehrmachtbericht (16 March 1944, 18 July 1944)