Karl Kessel
German general and Knight's Cross recipient

Karl Kessel

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German general and Knight's Cross recipient
Gender:
Male
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Birth:
1 June 1912(Mülheim an der Ruhr)
Death:
24 August 1997(Bonn)
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Biography

Introduction

Karl Kessel (1 June 1912 – 24 August 1997) was a highly decorated Oberstleutnant im Generalstab in the Luftwaffe during World War II and a Generalmajor in the Bundeswehr. He was also a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership. Karl Kessel joined the Bundeswehr in 1956 and retired in 1970 as a Generalmajor.

Awards

  • Aviator badge
  • Front Flying Clasp of the Luftwaffe
  • Iron Cross (1939)
    • 2nd Class
    • 1st Class
  • German Cross in Gold (29 March 1943)
  • Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 23 January 1944 as Oberstleutnant and Geschwaderkommodore of Kampfgeschwader 2
  • Fellgiebel 2000, p. 208.