Wilhelm Kohler (26 January 1917 – 30 September 2002) was a highly decorated Major i.G. 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 Kohler was captured by French troops in April 1945, and was released in July. He later joined the Bundeswehr in 1956 and served til retirement in 1975.