Rudolf Schmidt (Major)

Rudolf "Rudi" Schmidt (15 March 1914 – 23 February 2000) was a highly decorated Major in the Luftwaffe during World War II. He was also a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership.

Awards and decorations

 * Flugzeugführerabzeichen
 * Spanish Cross in Gold with Swords
 * Front Flying Clasp of the Luftwaffe in Gold with Pennant
 * Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class
 * 1st Class
 * German Cross in Gold (13 August 1942)
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 28 March 1945 as Hauptmann and Gruppenkommandeur of the II./Kampfgeschwader 26