Hans Ferdinand Geisler

Hans-Ferdinand Geisler was a Luftwaffe commander during World War II. He was also a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes). The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership.

Career
Born in Hanover in April 1891, Geisler joined the Imperial German Navy prior to World War I and served during the entire conflict. He joined the newly formed Luftwaffe in September 1933.

Reaching the rank of Oberst in March 1934, he became Generalleutnant in April 1939 and General der Flieger in July 1940. He was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on May 4, 1940.

As commander of Fliegerkorps X from October 2, 1939 to August 31, 1942, he used his background as a sailor to specialise in anti-shipping aerial operations.

He retired in October 1942 and died in June 1966 in Cologne.

Awards

 * Iron Cross (1914) 2nd and 1st Class
 * Clasp to the Iron Cross (1939) 2nd and 1st Class
 * German Cross in Gold (20 October 1942)
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 4 May 1940 as Generalleutnant and commading general of the X. Fliegerkorps
 * Mentioned in the Wehrmachtbericht on 10 April 1940