Wilhelm Gänsler

Wilhelm Gänsler (22 May 1919 – 22 November 1985) was a highly decorated Oberfeldwebel in the Luftwaffe during World War II, a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. This decoration recognised extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership. During his career Gänsler participated in 115 missions as an flight engineer or aerial gunner, some with Karl-Heinz Becker. He participated in 98 of Heinz-Wolfgang Schnaufer's victories. He received the Knight's Cross after 80 aerial victories participations and was recommended for the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves on 8 March 1945.

Awards and decorations

 * Aviator badge
 * Front Flying Clasp of the Luftwaffe in Gold
 * Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class
 * 1st Class
 * German Cross in Gold on 16 January 1944 as Unteroffizier in the 12./Nachtjagdgeschwader 1
 * Ehrenpokal der Luftwaffe on 17 January 1944 as Unteroffizier and Bordschütze (air gunner)
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 27 July 1944 as Oberfeldwebel and Bordschütze (air gunner) in Stabsstaffel IV./Nachtjagdgeschwader 1