Wilhelm Schmalz (1 March 1901 – 14 March 1983) was a highly decorated Generalleutnant in the Wehrmacht during World War II, and one of only 882 recipients 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 recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership. Wilhelm Schmalz was captured by American troops in May 1945, he was accused of war crimes in Italy, but after 5 years the charges were dropped.