Walter Wessel (21 April 1892 – 20 July 1943) was a highly decorated Generalleutnant in the Wehrmacht during World War II who commanded the 12th Panzer Division. 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 recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership. Walter Wessel was killed in an auto accident on 20 July 1943 near Morano, Italy. Walter Wessel was also responsible for the Massacre in Ciepielów, at Ciepielów, Poland.