Walter Lange

Dr. med. dent. Walter Lange (14 July 1898 – 30 October 1982) was a highly decorated Oberst of the Reserves in the Wehrmacht during World War II. He was also a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves. The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross and its higher grade Oak Leaves was awarded to recognize extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership.

Career

First World War

Walter Lange volunteered in 1916, serving on the Western Front with 422 Regiment.

Inter-war

At the end of the war, Lange remained in the service of the post-war German Army. Promoted to lieutenant in 1923, he resigned to attend dental school in 1929. Lange graduated as a doctor of medical dentistry in 1934. In 1936 he re-enlisted as a reservist and was promoted Captain of the Reserves on 1 July 1938.

Second World War

At the start of the war, he was recalled, taking part in the invasion of Poland with Landwehr Infanterie Regiment 162. In May 1941, Lange was assigned to command of the 2nd Batallion of his regiment, leading it in the invasion of the Soviet Union in June. He then was transferred to Grenadier Regiment 43 in September 1942, leading it in the fighting around Lake Ladoga.