Hermann Balck

Hermann Balck was an officer of the German army who served in both World War I and World War II, rising to the rank of General der Panzertruppe. He was highly decorated, receiving the Knights Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds, an award created to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or outstanding military leadership. At the time of its presentation to Balck it was Germanys highest military decoration. His father, William Balck, was a Generalleutnant in the German army and prominent writer on tactics before and immediately after the First World War. He was a recipient of the Knight of the Order Pour le Mrite, which he was awarded while commanding an infantry division.

Balck was born in Danzig Langfuhr, presentday Wrzeszcz in Poland. He was the son of William Balck and his wife Mathilde, ne Jensen. Balck was from a family with a long military tradition. His greatgrandfather served Britain under the Duke of Wellington in the Kings German Legion, and his grandfather was an officer in the British Armys Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. Balcks father, William Balck, was one of the German armys foremost tactical writers in the years prior to World War I, and as a division commander in that war won the Pour le Mrite, Germanys highest military order. He reached the rank of Lieutenant General.

Source: Wikipedia