This article needs additional citations for verification . Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources . Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (October 2012) ( Learn how and when to remove this template message ) Fritz Bayerlein Born 14 January 1899 Died 30 January 1970 (aged 71) Allegiance Nazi Germany Service/branch Army (Wehrmacht) Rank Generalleutnant Commands held 3rd Panzer Division Panzer Lehr Division LIII Army Corps Battles/wars World War II Invasion of Poland Battle of Alam Halfa Ardennes Offensive Awards Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords Fritz Hermann Michael Bayerlein (14 January 1899 – 30 January 1970) was a general in the Wehrmacht of Nazi Germany during World War II . He initially served as a staff officer, including with Erwin Rommel in the Afrika Korps . He then co...