Willy Langkeit
Willy Langkeit was an Generalmajor in the Wehrmacht during World War II, and one of only 882 recipients 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. Willy Langkeit was taken prisoner by American troops in May 1945 and transferred to British custody later that month. He was held until 1947 and later joined the Bundesgrenzschutz in 1951, retiring in 1967.
Awards and decorations
- Iron Cross
- * 2nd Class
- * 1st Class
- German Cross in Gold on 1 July 1942 as Major in the II./Panzer-Regiment 36
- Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves
- * Knight's Cross on 9 December 1942 as Major and commander of I./Panzer-Regiment 36
- * 348th Oak Leaves on 7 December 1943 as Oberstleutnant and commander of Panzer-Regiment 36
- Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany