Friedrich Wilhelm Viktor Alfred von Kleist
(16.11.1857 - 13.05.1921)
place of birth:  Magdeburg, Sachsen  (Prussian Saxony)
Königreich Preußen:  Generalleutnant  (Art)


German general officer from the renowned military family, Alfred von Kleist was the third son of Generalmajor August von Kleist. He entered the Great War as brigade-level artillery commander and spent the next three years of the War commanding an infantry division. It was during this time that he became known as a soldier's soldier for his high energy and active concern for all his troops. He replaced General Eugen von Schmettow as commander of Generalkommando zbV Nr. 58 during the War's final year. In late September 1918, von Kleist deftly lead his troops as they defended against an attempted break-through by French forces during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. It was for his decisive actions and exemplary leadership in this engagement that von Kleist was awarded with the Pour le Merite medal.

After the War, General von Kleist continued his military service as a corps commander back in his home town of Magdeburg. He was married to a Prussian general Wilhelm Gever's daughter Elisabeth, with whom he had one daughter, Marie. His brother Erwin was also a general officer. Alfred von Kleist passed away on 13 May 1921 in Brandenburg an der Havel at the age of 64. 

	Generalleutnant ................	06.11.1917
	Pour le Mérite ....................	08.10.1918