Otto-Joachim Lüdecke

Otto-Joachim Lüdecke
Born	27 May 1895 Staßfurt
Died	Hassel
Allegiance	German Empire (to 1918) Weimar Republic (to 1933) Nazi Germany
Service/branch	Heer
Years of service	1913–45
Rank	Generalleutnant
Commands held	56. Infanterie-Division 264. Infanterie-Division
Battles/wars	World War I World War II Invasion of Poland Battle of France Operation Barbarossa Battle of Białystok–Minsk Battle of Smolensk (1941) Battle of Kursk Battle of Smolensk (1943)
Awards	Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross

Otto-Joachim Lüdecke (27 May 1895 – 14 February 1971) was a highly decorated Generalleutnant in the Wehrmacht during World War II. 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. Otto-Joachim Lüdecke was captured by American troops in May 1945, he was handed over the British troops and held until 1948.

Awards and decorations

• Iron Cross (1914)
  • 2nd Class
  • 1st Class
• Wound Badge (1914)
  • in Black or Silver
• Honour Cross of the World War 1914/1918
• Iron Cross (1939)
  • 2nd Class
  • 1st Class
• Wound Badge (1939)
  • in Silver or Gold
• Eastern Front Medal
• Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 8 August 1943 as Generalmajor and commander of 56. Infanterie-Division

References

Bibliography

Military offices
Preceded by Generalleutnant Karl von Oven	Commander of 56. Infanterie-Division 28 January 1943 – 1 September 1943	Succeeded by Generalleutnant Vincenz Müller
Preceded by Generalleutnant Albin Nake	Commander of 264. Infanterie-Division 19 April 1944 – 15 May 1944	Succeeded by General der Infanterie Martin Gareis