Richard Koll

Richard Koll (April 7, 1897 – May 13, 1963) was a German general in the Wehrmacht during World War II who commanded the 1st Panzer Division. He was also a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross of Nazi Germany.

World War I

Richard Koll was born on April 7, 1897, in Koblenz and following a graduation from the Prussian Cadet Corps, he was commissioned Fähnrich (officer candidate) in August 1914. He was subsequently assigned to 4th Telegraph Battalion in Karlsruhe for basic training. Upon completion one month later, Koll was transferred to 25th Reserve Telephone Battalion, 25th Reserve Division and participated in combats in Belgium and France in September–November 1914. He was commissioned Leutnant on September 17, 1914.

During the Operation Barbarossa in June 1941, the German invasion of the Soviet Union, Koll led his regiment as the part of Kampfgruppe (Battle Group) under Generalleutnant Erhard Raus in advance on Leningrad and distinguished himself in combat in early days of the invasion. For his service during that period, Koll was decorated with the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. Clasp to the Iron Cross (1939) 2nd Class 1st Class Eastern Front Medal Panzer Badge in Silver Wound Badge in Silver Sudetenland Medal Wehrmacht Long Service Award, 1st Class Honour Cross of the World War 1914/1918 Iron Cross (1914) 2nd Class 1st Class