German Forces

MAJOR HUDEL

Helmut Hudel (4 July 1915 – 11 March 1985) was a highly decorated Major 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. Helmut Hudel was captured by American troops in April 1945 in the Ruhr Pocket.