Hellmuth Pfeifer

Hans-Hellmuth Pfeifer (18 February 1894 – 22 April 1945) was a German general who commanded the 65. Infantrie Division during World War II. Its field of operation was Italy at the time of his command (from 1 Dec 1943 till its surrender on 22 Apr 1945). There it was involved in defensive action in the Moro River Campaign, countering the Anzio landings, defending the Arno Line west of Florence, and finally the defense of Bologna which was captured 21 April 1945. Pfeifer 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.

Awards and decorations

 * Iron Cross (1914)
 * 2nd Class (3 October 1914)
 * 1st Class (5 October 1916)
 * Cross of Honor in 1934
 * Clasp to the Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class (8 June 1940)
 * 1st Class (16 June 1940)
 * Infantry Assault Badge in Silver
 * German Cross in Gold (31 October 1942)
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves
 * Knight's Cross on 26 November 1941 as Oberstleutnant and commander of Infanterie-Regiment 185
 * 574th Oak Leaves on 5 September 1944 as Generalleutnant and commander of 65.Infanterie-Division
 * Mentioned in the Wehrmachtbericht (2 June 1944)