Hans Christern

Hans Christern (24 January 1900 – 17 June 1966) was a highly decorated Oberst in the Wehrmacht during World War II. He was a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross of Nazi Germany. Christern took over command of the 7th Panzer Division in March 1945 which he surrendered to British troops in May 1945 north west of Berlin.

Hans Christern
Born	24 January 1900
Died	17 June 1966(1966-06-17) (aged 66)
Allegiance	German Empire Weimar Republic Nazi Germany
Branch	German Army
Years of service	1917–1920 1936–1945
Rank	Oberst
Commands	7th Panzer Division
Battles / wars	World War I World War II Battle of France Operation Bagration Battle of Radzymin (1944) Courland Pocket East Pomeranian Offensive
Awards	Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross

Following the war he worked as a farmer. He was involved in the CDU, and ran for office in the West German federal election of 1949, but failed to win his seat.

Awards and decorations

• Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 31 January 1941 as Major and commander of the II./Panzer-Regiment 31^[1]