HansGotthard Pestke was a highly decorated Oberst in the Wehrmacht during World War II. He was also a recipient of the Knights Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves. The Knights Cross of the Iron Cross and its higher grade Oak Leaves was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership. HansGotthard Pestke was captured by British troops in May 1945 and was released in 1947. In 1956 he joined the Bundeswehr and served until 1972.
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Source: Wikipedia