Herbert Puschmann

Herbert "Puschi" Puschmann (10 August 1920 – 3 February 1944) was a German Luftwaffe ace and recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross during World War II. Puschmann claimed 57 aerial victories, 37 over the Easter Front and 20 over the Mediterranean Front. The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership.

Career
Herbert Puschmann claimed his first two victories at the beginning of Operation Barbarossa on 22 June 1941. He would go on to claim another 35 victories between July 1941- August 1942. While participating in the defense of North Africa and Italy, Puschmann claimed another 20 victories. Herbert Puschmann was killed on 3 February 1944 after attacking B-26 bombers that were heading for Rome, after downing a bomber he was hit by one of the remaining bombers and crashed near Civitavecchia. On 5 April 1944 he was posthumously awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross.

Awards

 * Flugzeugführerabzeichen
 * Ehrenpokal der Luftwaffe (17 August 1942)
 * Front Flying Clasp of the Luftwaffe
 * Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class
 * 1st Class
 * German Cross in Gold (24 September 1942)
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 5 April 1944 as Hauptmann and Staffelkapitän of the 6/Jagdgeschwader 51 "Mölders"