Karl Böttcher

Karl Böttcher (25 October 1889 – 21 October 1973) was a German general who commanded several divisions 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.

Career
Böttcher served in the Deutsches Afrikakorps under Erwin Rommel. Rommel innovated by creating an independent command for his artillery, allowing them to be used in a concentrated manner. He placed Böttcher in command. As such it became a very effective means for adding punch to the Afrika Korps' attack. Later with the death of von Bismark, Böttcher was made commander of the 21st Panzer Division. Karl Böttcher was captured by the Western Allies in 1945 and was held until 1947.

Awards and decorations

 * Iron Cross (1914)
 * 2nd Class (23 November 1914)
 * 1st Class (27 July 1916)
 * Honour Cross of the World War 1914/1918 (1 January 1935)
 * Memel Medal (10 December 1939)
 * Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class (5 June 1940)
 * 1st Class (15 November 1940)
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 13 December 1941 as Generalmajor and commander of 21. Panzer-Division
 * Italian Military Order of Savoy (14 January 1942)
 * Armband Afrika (19 November 1943)