Maximilian Otte

'''Dr. jur. Maximilian Otte''' (3 September 1910 – 20 May 1944) was a highly decorated Major in the Luftwaffe during World War II, and one of only 882 recipients 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. Maximilian Otte was killed on 20 May 1944 by Soviet flak during the First Jassy-Kishinev Offensive. During his career he flew 1179 missions.

Awards and decorations

 * Flugzeugführerabzeichen
 * Front Flying Clasp of the Luftwaffe in Gold with Pennant "1100"
 * Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class
 * 1st Class
 * German Cross in Gold (4 February 1942)
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves
 * Knight's Cross on 5 April 1942 as Oberleutnant and pilot in the 8. / Sturzkampfgeschwader 2 "Immelmann"
 * 433rd Oak Leaves on 24 March 1944 as Major and Gruppenkommandeur of the II./Schlachtgeschwader 2 "Immelmann"