Günther Pape

Günther Pape (14 July 1907 – 21 January 1986) was a German Generalmajor serving during World War II and recipient of the coveted 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.

Career
The Bundeswehr of the Federal Republic of Germany underwent a series of internal discussion and controversies which led to the "Generalkrise" (Crisis of the Generals) in August 1966. Among other issues, the discussion was centred about the inner leadership of the Bundeswehr and the hierarchy of command between the Federal Ministry of Defence and the Bundeswehr. The Inspector of the Luftwaffe Generalleutnant Werner Panitzki and Minister of Defence Kai-Uwe von Hassel resigned on 12 August 1966. Inspector General of the Bundeswehr Generalleutnant Heinrich Trettner resigned the next day followed shortly by Generalmajor Günther Pape, who resigned out of loyalty to his commanding officers.

Awards
mentioned in the addendum of the Wehrmachtbericht on 20 December 1944.
 * Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class (20 September 1939)
 * 1st Class (21 May 1940)
 * German Cross in Gold (23 January 1942)
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves
 * Knight's Cross on 10 February 1942 as Major and commander of Krad-Schützen-Bataillon 3
 * 301st Oak leaves on 15 September 1943 as Oberst and commander of Panzergrenadier-Regiment 394
 * Honour Roll Clasp of the Army (5 December 1944)