Josef Heichele

Josef Heichele (15 October 1914 – 8 November 2001) was a highly decorated Major in the Wehrmacht during World War II. He 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 ribbon.svg Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class (15 August 1941)
 * 1st Class (6 November 1941)
 * Wound Badge
 * in Black (?)
 * in Silver (?)
 * Infantry Assault Badge
 * Eastern Front Medal
 * Close Combat Clasp
 * in Bronze (?)
 * in Silver (?)
 * 3 Tank Destruction Badges for Individual Combatants
 * German Cross in Gold (14 February 1943)
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves
 * Knight's Cross on 31 January 1944 as Hauptmann and leader of Divisions-Füselier-Battalion (A.A.) 129
 * 742nd Oak Leaves on 17 February 1945 as Major and commander of Füselier-Battalion 129