Invasion of Poland Wound Badge Wichard von Alvensleben (19 May 1902 – 14 August 1982) was a German agriculturist, Wehrmacht Officer, and Knight of the Order of Saint John.

Then a captain, Alvensleben was the commander of Wehrmacht troops stationed in April 1945 at Bozen, whence he led a detachment of infantry to liberate a group of high-status prisoners being held by the SS at Niederdorf in the Italian Tyrol.

In 1939, Alvensleben became an Officer of the German Wehrmacht, earning the rank of Captain, and served in Poland, France, Russia, Africa, and Italy.

A regular German army unit under the command of Captain von Alvensleben was assigned by nearby military authorities to protect the prisoners.

[1] The prisoners were then set free, with the majority opting for sanctuary for a time in Pragser Wildsee under the protection of Alvensleben's troops until a U.S. force arrived to take custody.