Wilhelm Ahrens

Wilhelm "Willi" Ahrens (1 October 1912 – 26 August 1998) was a highly decorated Hauptmann in the Wehrmacht during World War II and an Oberstleutnant in the Bundeswehr. 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. After the war Wilhelm Ahrens joined the Bundeswehr and retired in 1970.

Awards and decorations

 * Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class (5 August 1941)
 * 1st Class (28 September 1941)
 * Wound Badge (1939)
 * in Black
 * Infantry Assault Badge
 * Eastern Front Medal
 * Honour Roll Clasp of the Army
 * German Cross in Gold on 14 April 1942 as Oberleutnant in the 9./Infanterie-Regiment 17
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 22 February 1944 as Hauptmann and commander of III.(Jäger)/Grenadier-Regiment 17