Service/branch Heer Rank Oberst of the Reserves | Years of service 1916–29
1936–45 Name Walter Lange | |
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Born 14 July 1898
Berlin, Kingdom of Prussia, German Empire ( 1898-07-14 ) Died 30 October 1982(1982-10-30) (aged 84)
Osnabruck, Lower Saxony, West Germany Allegiance German Empire (to 1918)
Weimar Republic (to 1929)
Nazi Germany Commands held Grenadier-Regiment 43, Grenadier-Regiment 917 | ||
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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.
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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.
On 10 February 1943 Lange was promoted Lieutenant-Colonel of the Reserves and awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. The promotion and award were followed by another promotion, to Colonel of the Reserves on 1 July 1943, and the award of Oak Leaves on 13 September 1943, in recognition of his contribution to the fighting around Lake Ladoga. Soon afterward, he was withdrawn from front-line service and assigned to the general officer reserve of the German Army.
Lange assumed command of Grenadier Regiment 917 on 8 May 1944 in the south of France. He was captured by the French on 30 July 1944.