Richard John (soldier)

Richard John (11 April 1916 – 21 June 2010) was a highly decorated Oberfeldwebel in the Wehrmacht 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. Richard John was captured by Soviet forces at the end of the war and was held until 1955. He joined the Bundeswehr in 1956 and retired in 1968 as a Hauptfeldwebel.

Awards and decorations

 * Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class
 * 1st Class
 * Infantry Assault Badge
 * Wound Badge (1939)
 * in Black
 * in Silver
 * in Gold
 * Close Combat Clasp
 * in Bronze
 * Eastern Front Medal
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 4 May 1944 as Feldwebel and company troop leader in the 2. / Grenadier-Regiment 445