Walter Wessel

Walter Wessel (21 April 1892 – 20 July 1943) was a general in the Wehrmacht of Nazi Germany during World War II who commanded the 12th Panzer Division. He was a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves. Wessel was responsible for the Ciepielów massacre in Poland. He was killed in an auto accident on 20 July 1943 near Morano, Italy.^[1]

Walter Wessel
Born	21 April 1892 German Empire
Died	20 July 1943(1943-07-20) (aged 51) Morano, Italy
Allegiance	German Empire Weimar Republic Nazi Germany
Branch	Army
Years of service	1912–1943
Rank	Generalleutnant
Commands	12th Panzer Division
Known for	Ciepielów massacre
Battles / wars	World War II
Awards	Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves

Awards and decorations

• Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves
  • Knight's Cross on 15 August 1940 as Oberst and commander of Infanterie-Regiment 15 (mot.)^[2]
  • 76th Oak Leaves on 17 February 1942 as Oberst and commander of Infanterie-Regiment 15 (mot.)^[3]