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. Generalmajor Bleckwenn was awarded the Oak Leaves for his leadership after the collapse Army Group Centre. He led his regiment on a 44-day fighting retreat from the Dnieper to East Prussia.
Wilhelm Bleckwenn was captured by British troops in 1945 and was held until 1947.
(20 August 1943) Bibliography.
West Wall Medal (20 March 1940) Iron Cross (1939) 2nd Class (21 May 1940) 1st Class (1 July 1940) Infantry Assault Badge (1 July 1940) Close Combat Clasp in Bronze in Silver Wound Badge (1939) in Black (10 September 1941) in Silver (20 August 1943) Eastern Front Medal (20 August 1942) German Cross in Gold on 14 April 1942 as Major in Infanterie-Regiment 487 Knight"s Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves Knight"s Cross on 6 April 1944 as Oberst and commander of Grenadier-Regiment 487 621st Oak Leaves on 18 October 1944 as Oberst and commander of Grenadier-Regiment 487.
