Erich Diestel

Erich Diestel (8 November 1892 – 3 August 1973) was a highly decorated Generalleutnant in the Wehrmacht during World War II. 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. Erich Diestel was captured by Allied troops in May 1945 and was held until 1947.

Awards and decorations

 * Iron Cross (1914)
 * 2nd Class (7 October 1914)
 * 1st Class (19 February 1917)
 * Wound Badge
 * in Black (12 September 1918)
 * Cross of Honor
 * Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class (October 1939)
 * 1st Class (31 May 1940)
 * Eastern Front Medal (11 July 1941)
 * German Cross in Gold (2 January 1942)
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 8 October 1944 as Generalleutnant and commander of 346. Infanterie-Division
 * Mentioned in the Wehrmachtbericht (10 September 1944)