Rudolf Smola

Rudolf Smola (3 August 1917 – 27 March 1945) was a highly decorated Hauptmann 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. During his career he flew 600+ missions and was credited with 17 aerial victories. Rudolf Smola was killed on 27 March 1945 after being hit by Soviet ground fire near Zinten, East Prussia, during the East Prussian Offensive.

Awards and decorations

 * Flugzeugführerabzeichen
 * Front Flying Clasp of the Luftwaffe in Gold with Pennant "600"
 * Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class
 * 1st Class
 * German Cross in Gold (31 March 1943)
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 27 July 1944 as Oberleutnant and Staffelkapitän of the 5./Schlachtgeschwader 2