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Wetzel, Wilhelm

Date of birth:
July 17th, 1888 (Sarbske, Germany)
Date of death:
July 4th, 1964 (Hamburg, Germany)
Nationality:
German

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Generalleutnant
Unit:
Kommandeur 255. Infanterie-Division
Awarded on:
December 26th, 1941
Deutsches Kreuz in Gold
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
General der Infanterie (Lieutenant-General of Infantry)
Unit:
Commander V. Armeekorps
Awarded on:
August 7th, 1942
The following newspaper article (dated 12.08.1942) describes why Wetzel received the Knight’s Cross…

“Pomeranian General Receives the Knight’s Cross - Breakthrough of a Bunker Position Near Rostov:

The Führer has awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross to General der Infanterie Wilhelm Wetzel, commanding general of an Armeekorps.

General Wetzel… and his Divisionen had a major share in the swift seizure of Rostov. Here he personally led amongst the foremost friendly elements, and with these he forced a river crossing following bitter combat. Under his leadership his men also secured a breakthrough through the strongly fortified enemy bunker position in the northeastern part of the city.”
Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

Grade unknown.
War Victory Cross Order

Sources

  • - Die Ordensträger der Deutschen Wehrmacht - Kösliner Zeitung (Edition 221)

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