Alwin Boerst

Major Alwin Boerst (born 20 October 1910 in Osterode – Killed in action 30 March 1944 near Iaşi) was a German World War II Luftwaffe Stuka ace. He was also a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords. The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross and its higher grade Oak Leaves and Swords was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership.

Boerst participated in the Battle of Crete and assisted in the sinking of British destroyers Kelly and Kashmir.

Together with his radio operator and gunner, Ernst Filius, he took off on 30 March 1944 for the first time flying a Ju 87G-1. They were shot down and killed during this mission north of Iaşi by ground fire. Oberfeldwebel Filius was posthumously awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 19 May 1944. Boerst was posthumous honoured with the Swords to his Knight's Cross on 6 April 1944. Boerst flew 1060 combat missions.

Awards

 * Verwundetenabzeichen in Black
 * Front Flying Clasp of the Luftwaffe in Gold with Pennant "1.000"
 * Combined Pilots-Observation Badge
 * "Kreta" Cuffband
 * German Cross in Gold on 5 June 1942 as Oberleutnant in the 3./StG 2
 * Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class (27 September 1939)
 * 1st Class (7 June 1940)
 * Ehrenpokal der Luftwaffe (9 September 1941)
 * Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords
 * Knight's Cross on 5 October 1941 as Oberleutnant and pilot in the 3./StG 2 "Immelmann"
 * 149th Oak Leaves on 28 November 1942 Oberleutnant and Staffelkapitän of the 3./StG 2 "Immelmann"
 * 61st Swords on 6 April 1944 (posthumous) as Major and Gruppenkommandeur of the I./StG 2 "Immelmann"