Paul Birnkraut

Paul Birnkraut (8 April 1919 – 1 January 1987) was a highly decorated Oberleutnant in the Luftwaffe during World War II, and 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
 * Front Flying Clasp of the Luftwaffe in Gold
 * Ehrenpokal der Luftwaffe (9 February 1942)
 * Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class
 * 1st Class
 * German Cross in Gold on 4 March 1942 as Oberleutnant in the 1.(F)/Aufklärungsgruppe 121
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 10 May 1943 as Oberleutnant and pilot in the 1./Fernaufklärungs-Gruppe 121