Walter Neitzel

Walter Neitzel (9 May 1913 – 2 September 1944) was a highly decorated Oberstleutnant 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. Walter Neitzel died on 2 September 1944 in Kaikasi, Latvia. He was posthumously promoted to Oberstleutnant and on 5 September 1944 was awarded the Oak Leaves to his Knight's Cross.

Awards and decorations

 * Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class (29 November 1940)
 * 1st Class (29 July 1941)
 * Wound Badge
 * in Black
 * Infantry Assault Badge in Silver
 * Close Combat Clasp
 * in Bronze
 * Honour Roll Clasp of the Army (7 August 1943)
 * Eastern Front Medal
 * German Cross in Gold (30 July 1942)
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves
 * Knight's Cross on 2 June 1943 as Hauptmann and leader of the I./Grenadier-Regiment 409
 * 576th Oak Leaves on 5 September 1944 as Major and commander of the I./Grenadier-Regiment 409