Alfons Hitter

Who was Alfons Hitter?

Alfons Hitter was a highly decorated Generalleutnant in the Wehrmacht during World War II who commanded the 206th Infantry Division. 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. Generalleutnant Hitter was captured by Soviet forces early during Operation Bagration when his division was encircled and forced to surrender at Vitebsk. He was held in a Soviet prison for eleven years, joining the National Committee for a Free Germany while in captivity. He was released in 1955.