WARTIME KNIGHTS CROSS WINNER PORTRAIT PHOTO & SIGNATURE – WALTER LICHEL

Walther Lichel was a German Army officer whose career spanned from the Imperial Army through the First World War and into Second World War, ultimately reaching the rank of General of Infantry.

Early Career:

• Joined the Prussian Army in 1903 and was commissioned as a lieutenant in 1905.
• Served in several infantry regiments, steadily rising through the ranks, becoming a captain in 1915 during World War I.

Interwar Period:

• Continued service in the Reichswehr, holding staff and command roles.
• Promoted to major (1928), lieutenant colonel (1932), and colonel (1934).
• Served as an instructor and later commanded Infantry Regiment 22.

World War II Service:

• Promoted to Generalmajor (1938) and took command of the 3rd Infantry Division, leading it in the invasion of Poland and the Battle of France.
• Later commanded the 123rd Infantry Division during the invasion of the Soviet Union.
• Severely wounded in August 1941, forcing him to relinquish command.
• Awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (September 1941).

Later War & Aftermath:

• Promoted to General of Infantry (1942) while still recovering and remained out of active duty for an extended period.
• Returned to service in late 1944, commanding a deputy corps headquarters (XI Army Corps) until April 1945.
• Captured by Allied forces in April 1945 and released in 1947.