Heinrich Nickel

Heinrich Georg Nickel (5 December 1894 – 2 January 1979) was a German general who commanded the 342nd Infantry Division during World War II. 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. Heinrich Nickel was captured by Allied troops in May 1945 and was released in 1948.

Awards and decorations

 * Iron Cross (1914)
 * 2nd Class (29 July 1916)
 * 1st Class (18 August 1918)
 * Wound Badge (1914)
 * in Black
 * Cross of Honor in 1934
 * Clasp to the Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class (19 September 1939)
 * 1st Class (13 November 1939)
 * Infantry Assault Badge in Silver
 * Eastern Front Medal
 * Demyansk Shield
 * Wound Badge (1939)
 * in Silver
 * in Gold
 * German Cross in Gold on 29 March 1943 as Oberst in Grenadier-Regiment 502
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves
 * Knight's Cross on 16 June 1940 as Oberst and commander of III./Infanterie-Regiment 26
 * 543rd Oak Leaves on 8 August 1944 as Generalleutnant and commander of 342. Infanterie-Division
 * Mentioned twice in the Wehrmachtbericht (30 April 1944 and 11 July 1944)