About Walter Wessel
Lived 1892 – 1944 (aged 52). Walter Wessel was a military officer.
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 car accident on 20 July 1943 near Merano, Italy.
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.) 76th Oak Leaves on 17 February 1942 as Oberst and commander of Infanterie-Regiment 15 (mot.)
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Important facts
Related people
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Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Walter Wessel's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Walter Wessel?
German General and Knight's Cross recipients (1892-1944)
When was Walter Wessel born?
Walter Wessel was born on 21 April 1892 in Lautenthal.
When did Walter Wessel die?
Walter Wessel died on 20 July 1944 in Morano Calabro.
What was Walter Wessel's occupation?
Walter Wessel was a military officer.
What nationality was Walter Wessel?
Walter Wessel's recorded nationality: German Reich.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Walter Wessel. https://biography.guide/walter-wessel/
MLA: "Walter Wessel." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/walter-wessel/.
Chicago: "Walter Wessel." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/walter-wessel/.
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