Johann Schalanda

Johann Schalanda (7 February 1921 – 26 March 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. Johann Schalanda was killed on 26 March 1945 by Soviet anti-aircraft fire over Küstrin. Johann Schalanda was credited with flying 933 missions during the war.

Awards and decorations

 * Flugzeugführerabzeichen
 * Front Flying Clasp of the Luftwaffe in Gold with Pennant "900"
 * Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class
 * 1st Class
 * Ehrenpokal der Luftwaffe (1 April 1942)
 * German Cross in Gold (15 June 1942)
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves
 * Knight's Cross on 3 April 1942 as Oberleutnant and pilot in the 8./Sturzkampfgeschwader 1
 * 630th Oak Leaves on 24 October 1944 as Hauptmann and Staffelkapitän of the 3./Schlachtgeschwader 1