Fritz Bayerlein

Fritz Hermann Michael Bayerlein was a German general in the Wehrmacht, during World War II. He initially served as a staff officer, including with Erwin Rommel in the Afrika Korps. He then commanded the 3rd Panzer Division, the Panzer Lehr Division and LIII Army Corps (Wehrmacht) in the European theatre. Bayerlein was a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords. Prior to the second world war, Bayerlein served in the 9th Bavarian Reserve Division in 1917.