Wilhelm Bleckwenn

Who was Wilhelm Bleckwenn?

Wilhelm Bleckwenn was a highly decorated Generalmajor in the Wehrmacht during World War II who commanded several divisions. 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. Generalmajor Bleckwenn was awarded the Oak Leaves for his leadership after the collapse Army Group Centre. He led his regiment on a 44-day fighting retreat from the Dnieper to East Prussia. Wilhelm Bleckwenn was captured by British troops in 1945 and was held until 1947.