Willy Langkeit

Willy Langkeit (2 June 1907 – 27 October 1969) was an Generalmajor in the Wehrmacht during World War II, and one of only 882 recipients 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. Willy Langkeit was taken prisoner by American troops in May 1945 and transferred to British custody later that month. He was held until 1947 and later joined the Bundesgrenzschutz (Federal Border Guards) in 1951, retiring in 1967.

Awards and decorations

 * Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class (10 November 1939)
 * 1st Class (30 August 1940)
 * Wound Badge (1939)
 * in Black
 * Eastern Front Medal
 * Panzer Badge
 * in Silver
 * Level II (25)
 * Level III (50)
 * Level IV (75) (30 April 1945)
 * Order of Michael the Brave 3rd Class (30 May 1944)
 * German Cross in Gold (1 July 1942)
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves
 * Knight's Cross on 9 December 1942 as Major and commander of I. / Panzer-Regiment 36
 * 348th Oak Leaves on 7 December 1943 as Oberstleutnant and commander of Panzer-Regiment 36
 * Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany
 * Order of St. John (Bailiwick of Brandenburg)