Max von Hartlieb-Walsporn

Max von Hartlieb-Walsporn (1883-1959) was a German general during World War II. He commanded the 5th Panzer Brigade in the early fall of 1939, then took charge of the 5th Panzer Division on 8 October 1939. As commander of this division, he participated in the 1940 Battle of France. He came to be seen as a weak leader when the lightly defended French town of Le Quesnoy repulsed his soldiers and tanks over four days. By May 28, he was in reserve; later in 1940, he took command of the 179th Division. Beginning in January 1942, he was relegated to reserve or administrative posts and never again commanded front-line troops. Wounded on 19 May 1942, he was hospitalized for almost five months and spent several more months in reserve before accepting other administrative posts over the remainder of the war. After the war ended, he was imprisoned for two years.