Josef Menapace

Josef Menapace (31 July 1920 – 6 October 1943) was a highly decorated Hauptmann in the Luftwaffe during World War II. He was also 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. During his career he flew 723 missions. Josef Menapace was killed on 6 October 1943 when his plane crashed into the Pripjet Marshes after being hit by anti-aircraft fire.

Awards and decorations

 * Flugzeugführerabzeichen
 * Front Flying Clasp of the Luftwaffe in Gold with Pennant "700"
 * Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class
 * 1st Class
 * German Cross in Gold (4 February 1942)
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 20 August 1942 as Leutnant and Staffelführer of the 7./Schlachtgeschwader 1