Karl Gustav Ahlefeldt (13 July 1892 – 20 March 1981) was a German general in the Wehrmacht during World War II. His career was primarily distinguished as a staff officer, serving as Chief of Staff for several large units, including the XXXVIII Army Corps on the Eastern Front. For his skill in planning and conducting operations in this role, he was awarded the prestigious Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross in 1943. Later in the conflict, he took command of the 712th Infantry Division, stationed in the Netherlands, where he was engaged in countering the Allied advance after the Normandy landings. In addition to the Knight's Cross, Ahlefeldt also received the German Cross in Gold, confirming his status as a highly decorated officer. He was captured by Allied forces towards the end of the war and released from captivity in 1947.