Eduard Skrzipek

Eduard Skrzipek (26 June 1917 – 25 February 1945) was a highly decorated Hauptmann in the Luftwaffe during World War II, and one of only 882 recipients of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves. The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross and its higher grade Oak Leaves was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership. Skrzipek was killed in a flying accident in Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-6 on 25 February 1945.

Awards and decorations

 * Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class (15 September 1940)
 * 1st Class (30 September 1940)
 * Honour Goblet of the Luftwaffe (Ehrenpokal der Luftwaffe) on 26 November 1941
 * German Cross in Gold (27 May 1942 )
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves
 * Knight's Cross on 16 April 1943 as Oberleutnant and pilot in the 5./Kampfgeschwader 27 "Boelcke"
 * 509th Oak Leaves on 24 June 1944 as Hauptmann and Staffelkapitän of the 14.(Eis)/Kampfgeschwader 27 "Boelcke"